§ Mr. TOUCHEasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the names of the members of the British West Africa Currency Board, and their experience, and the date when the Board was established in London?
Mr. HARCOURTThe members are Sir George Fiddes, K.C.M.G., C.B., Assistant Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office; Mr. W. H. Mercer, C.M.G., one of the Crown Agents for the Colonies, who has had many years experience in matters connected with the supply of coin to the British Administrations in West Africa; and Mr. L. Couper, chief manager of the Bank of British West Africa. The appointments were made on the 21st of November last.
§ Mr. TOUCHEasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in connection with the introduction of a distinctive local currency in West Africa, it is intended that the Currency Board under his control shall appoint an officer to make a periodic inspection at each of the appointed centres?
Mr. HARCOURTIt will be one of the duties of the Board to satisfy themselves that their local representatives, for whose action the Board will be responsible, discharge their duties efficiently. The methods by which the Board will obtain this information will no doubt be considered by them in due course, but I am unable to say whether the appointment of an inspecting officer will be considered necessary.