HC Deb 30 April 1931 vol 251 cc1806-7
57. Mr. SMITHERS

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much gold is held by the central banks of the various countries in the world at the latest convenient date?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Pethick-Lawrence)

Particulars for individual countries are to be found for the end of each month in the League of Nations' Monthly Bulletin of Statistics. The total gold holdings of the central banks and Governments of 45 countries at the end of January, 1931, are stated in the Federal Reserve Bulletin for March, 1931 (P.151) to have been $10,968,000,000 or £2,254,000,000.

Mr. THORNE

Is that an increase in the gold holdings?

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

I cannot say, without notice.

60. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the present position with regard to the International Committee on Gold which has been in session at Geneva; when a further report is expected from this committee; and what action is proposed in view of the continued fall in commodity prices?

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

I understand that a further meeting of the Gold delegation, to consider its final report, will be convened shortly, but that the precise date is not yet settled. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer to the answer given to the hon. Member for Farnham on the 5th November last.

Sir WILLIAM MITCHELL-THOMSON

Is the committee considering the question of silver as well as the question of gold?

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

I cannot say, without notice.

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