HC Deb 01 July 1924 vol 175 cc1106-7
50. Sir CHARLES OMAN

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has authorised the Royal Mint to strike silver coins for the Russian Soviet Government, in large bulk, of a fineness of 80 per cent. pure silver to 20 per cent alloy; whether he proposes to continue to strike the British fractional currency of a fineness of only 50 per cent. pure silver; and whether any complaints have been received during the last four years as to this debased currency?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Snowden)

The "poltinnik" coins now being struck by the Royal Mint for the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics are 900 fine. No change in the present fineness of British token silver is contemplated. In the early stages some complaints were received, but none have been brought to my notice recently.

Sir C. OMAN

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider it dignified that the British Government should become the paid handicraftsmen of a foreign Government with which we have not yet been able to enter into any satisfactory relations?

Mr. SNOWDEN

The question of dignity is a matter of opinion.