§ 7. Sir J. D. REESasked the Secretary of State for India whether he can give the House any information regarding the creation of a gold coin in India?
§ Mr. MONTAGUIn December last year a Royal Proclamation was issued establishing a branch of the Royal Mint at Bombay for the coinage of sovereigns. Owing to abnormal conditions it was not possible to forecast with exactitude the date by which the branch mint could be in operation, and circumstances arose which made the Government of India anxious to supplement their coin resources as soon as possible from the gold bullion in their possession. They have accordingly made an Ordinance authorising the coinage of 15-rupee gold pieces, and these are now being issued to the public. They are of the same standard weight and fineness as a sovereign. The Bombay branch of the Royal Mint will probably start the coinage of sovereigns at the end of this month.
§ Sir J. JARDINEIs this a new coin, or is it taken from the reserves of coin that have long been in the Mint—is it an old or a new gold mohur?
§ Mr. MONTAGUIt is new.
§ General Sir IVOR PHILIPPSHas it been given a name?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI think it is called a 15-rupee piece.
§ Sir I. PHILIPPSA very awkward name.