§ 65. Mr. CAUTLEYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, owing to the stoppage of the release 1766 of gold for dental purposes, the price of gold to dentists has gone up from the pre-war price of 66s. 6d. to the present price of 85s. 6d. per ounce; and whether he can, in the public interest and to secure cheaper dentistry, revert to the old practice of releasing gold for dental purposes?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI have been asked to reply to this question. The dental industry was supported during 1917 and 1918 and until last month by a special issue of gold from the Bank of England. In view, however, of the fact that fine gold is now obtainable on the open market at about 103s. per ounce, i.e., at a considerably lower price than during the greater part of the period in question, and that it is likely to become cheaper upon the conclusion of peace in consequence of the recent removal of restrictions on the import of gold bullion, the Government do not see their way to sanction further release of gold for the purposes of this industry.