HC Deb 12 July 1966 vol 731 c1205
25. Mr. Higgins

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people who still hold more than four gold coins minted after 1837 and who have not yet either applied to retain them or sold them to an authorised dealer have been prosecuted under S.I., 1966, No. 438.

Mr. MacDermot

None, Sir.

Mr. Higgins

Can the Financial Secretary confirm that people in the position described in the Question are liable to prosecution?

Mr. MacDermot

If they retain them without making an application for an authorisation, yes. We think it is right to give people a reasonable time to comply with the Order. About £100,000 worth have already been sold.

26. Mr. Higgins

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many applications to retain non-existent gold coins have been granted by the Bank of England under S.I., 1966, No. 438.

Mr. MacDermot

I know of one case. The applicant was a well-known numismatist.

Mr. Higgins

Does this not suggest that the Government are not qualified to judge this matter? Should not some other arrangement be made.

Mr. MacDermot

No. They have the advice of experts, including the numismatist in question.