74. Lieut.-Colonel SPENDER CLAYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether silver coinage has been exported
1033 from this country for melting purposes owing to the enhanced price of the metal, and what steps are taken to prevent a serious loss to the country from this practice?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe export of British silver coin, except under licence from the Board of Trade, has been forbidden by Order in Council since April, 1918, and so far as I am aware the prohibition has been effective. At the present price of silver there is little or no profit in melting.