§ 21. Mr. Higginsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will bring up to date the figure of £100,000, which at 22nd November, 1966, represented sales of gold coins under Statutory Instrument 1966, No. 438, to the five members of the London gold market.
§ Mr. MacDermotI would refer to the Answer given to the hon. Member for Essex, South-East (Mr. Braine) on 23rd June, 1967.—[Vol. 748, c. 358–9.]
§ Mr. HigginsAs there has been no change since that date, can the hon. and learned Gentleman tell us what has been the effect on the balance of payments of the collections made so far?
§ Mr. MacDermotThe question of the effect on the balance of payments is a separate question of which I should require notice, and I do not think that the hon. Gentleman would want me to revise figures given as recently as 23rd June.
§ 22. Mr. Higginsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government intend to continue the practice of not asking the Director of Public Prosecutions, whose consent is necessary, to proceed against those who make voluntary disclosures of gold coins under Statutory Instrument 1966, No. 438.
§ Mr. MacDermotYes, Sir.
§ Mr. HigginsIs it not very unsatisfactory? If an Order is being passed through the House, should it not be consistently enforced or else withdrawn?
§ Mr. MacDermotWe will keep this matter under review. We want still to encourage people who may be holding coins without permission to apply for permission.