§ 5. Mr. GWYNNEasked what is the object of the Government of India in keeping their mints closed against the free coinage of rupees when famine, as now, threatens, and the permission to coin bullion and ornaments would be useful famine reserve fund?
§ Mr. FISHERThe reopening of the Indian mints to the free coinage of silver would be a reversal of considered policy based on the findings of three important commissions. It could not be resorted to as a temporary expedient in the manner suggested by the hon. Member. More over, a better price could to-day be obtained for silver bullion or ornaments in the open market in India than by tendering for coinage into rupees.
§ 6. Mr. GWYNNEasked the Secretary of State for India whether a gold coin, the mohur, is now being coined at India mints; if so, how many have been coined; what is its exchange in rupees; what inscription it carries; and, with silver at its present price, how many rupees is the mohur worth?
§ Mr. FISHERThe mohur is not now being coined. It was coined to meet a temporary emergency. The total number coined and the number issued have not been reported, but the Secretary of State will inquire. Its legal ratio for the purpose of internal exchange is fifteen rupees and it is so stamped. Its gold content is the same as that of the sovereign, and it is worth twelve rupees at the present rate of external exchange.
§ 7. Mr. GWYNNEasked whether the last commission on currency advised against the minting of any other gold coin in India except the sovereign?
§ Mr. FISHERThe answer is in the affirmative.