HC Deb 19 July 1955 vol 544 c192
22. Mr. Roy Jenkins

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the value of gold imports into this country from the Soviet Union for the first and second six months of 1954, respectively.

Mr. R. A. Butler

Imports of gold bullion from all sources amounted in the first half of 1954 to about 9.9 million troy oz. with a value of about £123 million, of which about 1.3 million troy oz. with a value of about £16 million were imported from the Soviet Union. In the second half of 1954 imports from all sources amounted to about 6.1 million troy oz. with a value of about £76 million, but there were no imports from the Soviet Union. The hon. Member understands, I am sure, that the amount of gold imported does not necessarily correspond with the amount of gold purchased from overseas countries.