§ 48. Colonel Wedgwoodasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of gold purchased during the last complete week; the average figure at which it was bought; and whether he has reason to believe that the hoarded gold is now exhausted?
§ The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir John Simon)In reply to the first two parts of the question, it is, as the right hon. Member is aware, contrary to practice to make public the transactions on behalf of the Exchange Equalisation Account. This has been explained to the House many times and I am not prepared to make an exception on the present occasion. In reply to the last part of the question, I should not feel justified in hazarding an opinion.
§ Colonel WedgwoodDoes the right hon. Gentleman know the story of Zeus and Danae, and if this stream of gold continues to come from Russia and he continues to accept it, may I ask him when and wherever he is expecting Perseus?
§ Sir J. SimonMythology is always worthy of respect, but it is a very imperfect guide.