Although Gas Streetlights had become a taboo topic in the United Kingdom, Pitt the Younger was indeed one of the most capable statesmen of his age. He understood clearly how important Gas Lamps were to the nation's development.
Thus, he planned to allocate secret government funds to conduct research into the relevant technology in private, then begin promoting it from some small city.
Henry Pierce drained the remaining tea from his cup and frowned as he shook his head again.
He could barely taste any sweetness.
Sugar prices were currently soaring. Even mid-to-high-ranking officials like him had no choice but to ration their sugar. As for ordinary people, many had already begun cooking with cheap Maltose instead.
Pierce looked at Nathan, the financial officer of the committee seated opposite him. "Mr. Tennant's side has been making good progress lately. Next year's funding should increase substantially, shouldn't it?"
Charles Tennant was the Chief Technician of the Fuel Committee, responsible for researching the industrial production of Coal Tar.
The financial officer was staring down blankly, lost in thought, and did not answer.
Pierce raised his voice. "Mr. Nathan, I'm speaking to you."
Nathan suddenly asked, seemingly out of nowhere, "Have you heard about the Government Bonds?"
"Government Bonds? What happened?"
Nathan lowered his voice. "Rumors have been spreading everywhere lately. Because the war has not gone well, the government may be unable to repay its Government Bonds."
Pierce waved it off indifferently. "How could that be possible? Austria and Prussia were the ones defeated. We only lost a few soldiers."
"It's precisely because of Prussia and Austria." Nathan leaned closer. "They say the government previously loaned them enormous sums, and now they simply have no money to repay them. The Bank of England, in turn, has no money to pay the Government