HC Deb 03 January 1913 vol 46 cc681-2W
Mr. TOUCHE

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can supply figures showing, in fine ounces, the portion of the world's production of silver in the years 1908, 1909, 1910, and 1911, or any of these years, estimated to have been used in the arts and manufactures?

Mr. BUXTON

According to estimates prepared by the Director of the United States Mint the production of silver in the world, expressed in fine ounces, amounted, approximately, to 203,000,000 ounces in 1908, 210,000,000 ounces in 1909, and 223,000,000 ounces in 1910. He further estimates that the quantity of new silver used in the arts and manufactures, expressed in fine ounces, amounted to, approximately, 92,000,000 ounces in 1908, 105,000,000 ounces in 1909, and 143,000,000 ounces in 1910. Corresponding estimates for 1911 are not yet available.