HC Deb 16 February 1920 vol 125 cc511-2
59. Sir HARRY BR1TTAIN

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government would consider making a specific demand, with penalty for non-observance, of all sovereigns and half-sovereigns which are still in private possession?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I do not think it would be desirable to adopt this suggestion, which would require special legislation.

Major O'NEILL

Have the Government any means of estimating the quantity of these coins held by the public in this country?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I do not think we have any means of estimating the quantity with any sort of accuracy, but I do not think it would represent a very large sum.

Mr. HOLMES

Have not the joint stock banks been made to pay considerable sums in gold to the Bank of England from their own resources?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I believe some gold has been paid over by the joint stock banks.