38. Lieut.-Colonel SPENDER CLAYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is proposed to revert to the pre-War purity of silver coinage; and what profit the Treasury anticipate during the current financial year from the issue of silver coins manufactured from the alloy at present in use?
§ Sir R. HORNEThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The answer to the second part is that the estimated Mint Exchequer receipts in 1922–23 are £1,180,800. It is not possible to give a separate figure for silver coin.
§ Mr. A. M. SAMUELDoes not the saving of a million or more on this debased coinage destroy any claim we may have to be an artistic people?
§ Sir R. HORNEThat may or may not be.