§ Earl Greysaid, that a measure was then in progress through the other House of Parliament, which embraced a subject of the utmost importance to the country. From all that he had heard on the subject, he could view the measure in no other light than as a Bill for making Bank-notes a le- 149 gal tender. In his opinion, therefore, prior to any discussion on the Bill, some information should be laid before the House, to shew how far, in the event of the measure having the effect he stated, the public could receive it, without some sufficient security being given—to point out how far the country could rely on that which was proposed to be introduced as a valid security. He should, therefore, feel it his duty to move for an account of the number of notes which had been presented at the Bank, for payment, within a specific time, and refused, on the ground of their being forgeries. If no objection were made to the production of this paper, he would move for it tomorrow. If, however, any opposition were likely to be manifested, he would postpone it till after the holidays.
The Earl of Liverpoolobserved, that he would, at present, say nothing more about the Bill to which the noble earl had adverted, than that he was entirely mistaken as to its principle. When the measure was regularly before them, he should be ready to state his opinion fully. With respect to the account for which the noble earl expressed his intention of moving, he was desirous, before such a motion was submitted to the House, to know, whether any objection against producing it, existed in the quarter from whence it must be derived; and, it any, what the nature of that objection was. That he might procure satisfaction on those points, he wished a short delay to take place. Probably, he should have an opportunity tomorrow, of acquiring that information; and, if so, he would communicate the result to the noble earl.