§ 29. Mr. FELLasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been called to the fact that gold in the form of sovereigns and half-sovereigns is continually being taken out of this country by travellers crossing to France and Holland and going also to Norway and Sweden and Denmark; if any regulation forbidding this practice has been made under the Defence of the Realm Act; and why passengers are not searched prior to leaving the country and paper given to them in exchange for any gold found on them?
§ Mr. MONTAGUAny evidence of gold movements of the kind indicated is being carefully watched, and I am considering what steps can be taken, but the measure suggested by the hon. Member does not seem to be one which on present information it would be desirable to adopt.
§ Mr. MONTAGUThat is just what is being considered. One does not want to do anything that will have an unfortunate effect.
§ Mr. EDGAR JONESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a large number of sovereigns and half-sovereigns are taken by drafts of soldiers going to France?