§ LORD KINNAIRD, in moving for Statements connected with the Coining and Melting Departments of the Royal 426 Mint, said, that these Returns, if granted, would show that a reduction of something like £6,000 might be effected in that office if a proper system were introduced. Great dissatisfaction existed with reference to the payment of the men at present. He had given much attention to this subject, and if these Returns were granted he should hope at some future time to prove that, instead of a loss being occasioned by coining, the Mint ought to yield a profit. He was glad to learn that the proposal to depreciate the sovereign for the purpose of paying the expense of coining had been abandoned. The two first Returns related to the gold coinage; the two next to silver. The two last Returns related to the cost of assay, and he believed the materials for which he asked existed in the Deputy Master's office.
§ THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNEsaid, there was no objection to produce all the information on this subject which could be produced; but probably his noble Friend would be satisfied with the first five Returns, and would not insist that they should be printed.
§ LORD KINNAIRDassented.
§ Motion, as amended, agreed to: Returns ordered to be laid before the House.
§ House adjourned at a quarter before Seven o'clock, till To-morrow, halt past Ten o'clock.