§ 56. Mr. STEWARTasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the abundance of paper currency in all countries at the present time and the general shortage of gold, ho could see his way to extend the terms of reference of the Indian Currency Commission so that they may be permitted to inquire into the silver question in its entirety, with a view to finding out whether more use can be made of silver as a circulating medium; and whether its position, which was destroyed by the German legislation of 1873, can in any way be restored?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe Indian Currency Committee has been appointed to consider certain questions relating to India on which an early decision is needed. The members chosen are specially qualified to deal with these ques- 935 tions. The Committee has already taken an appreciable amount of evidence. It is not practicable to enlarge the subject of inquiry, as this would involve the reconstitution of the present Committee, would require the new body to begin work again, and would seriously postpone the date of report.
§ Colonel YATEMay I ask the Leader of the House, to whom the question is addressed, whether it is not possible to have any inquiry made into the last portion of the question?
§ Mr. BONAR LAW (Leader of the House)Nobody knows better than my hon. Friend that complicated and difficult questions are involved in his suggestion. The answer of my right hon. Friend shows that it is necessary to get an early decision on the other matter, and that would not be possible if this were included.
§ Colonel YATEMay I ask for a separate inquiry to go into the matter?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI will have that considered.