HL Deb 25 May 1819 vol 40 cc749-50
The Earl of Lauderdale

was desirous that, at an early day after the recess, their lordships should have the opinion of the judges on the law relative to the coin of the realm considered as a legal tender and measure of value. The questions he wished to submit were—first, whether, after the passing of the act of 1774, the silver coinage of this country, subject to a depreciation of 20 per cent. was a legal tender by tale? Secondly, whether, under the act of the 56th of the king, chapter 68, the silver or the gold coin is the legal measure of value in this country? It was necessary that these great questions should be finally set at rest, and the public mind relieved from all uncertainty on a subject of so much interest to the country. Much depended upon what their lordships should understand to be the law with regard to the coin of the realm. If it should be decided, that the silver coin is a legal tender, that decision would have an important bearing on the measure which was expected to come before their lordships. He concluded by moving, that the judges be ordered to attend on Wednesday the 9th of June, and that the Lords be summoned for that day.— Ordered.