§ Mr. STEWARTasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimated amount of silver subsidiary coinage per capita of the population was held in the United Kingdom before the War; what amount of silver has been purchased and coined during the War; what is the estimated amount per capita in the hands of the public at the present time; and whether, in view of the risk of higher prices should the coinage be depreciated, there is any need of an increase in subsidiary coinage at the present time?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe answer to the first part, of the question is approximately 13s. per head; to the second and third parts about £33,000,000 (net) face value and about 27s. 6d. per head. I do not think the increase of the subsidiary coinage, which is legal tender up to a very limited amount (40s.), has any appreciable bearing on the increase of prices of which it is a consequence rather than a cause.