§ (1) (12) Coinage; legal tender; negotiable instruments; or any change in the standard of weights and measured; or
§ Mr. REIDI beg to move, in Sub section (1, 12), after the word "instruments" ["negotiable instruments"], to insert the words "including bank notes and power to issue the same."
This Amendment is similar to an Amendment which I moved in Committee, I understood then that it would be accepted, but the right hon. Gentleman pointed out that he thought it would be move suitable on this Clause. It seems to me that it might be possible to pass legislation which would interfere with the present power of banks in connection with bank notes, and as in Ireland bank notes form such a large part of the currency, any interference might be disastrous. Anything done in connection with this Clause is done once and for all. If any question arises in connection with this Clause it is a constitutional question. Even if it is the opinion of the right hon. Gentleman that it is superfluous to put in these words, I think we ought to make the matter quite clear, because in these circumstances it is better to be perspicuous than obscure.
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERAL for IRELAND (Mr. Denis Henry)If the hon. Member will limit the Amendment to the words "including bank notes," we are prepared to accept it.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Amendment made: In Sub-section (1, 12), after the word "instruments," 1233 insert the words "including bank notes."—[Mr. Reid.]