HC Deb 07 July 1952 vol 503 cc66-7W
52. Mr. Erroll

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that on 25th April last, a member of the sterling area, namely, the Government of Southern Rhodesia, stated that gold produced in that country could, under conditions laid down, be sold in ingot form so saving the cost of processing or manufacturing; that the Gold Coast Chamber of Mines asked the Treasury that the same facilities should be extended to gold mines in the Gold Coast; that, despite numerous reminders, this request has not yet been granted; that this involves a loss to the industry at the rate of some £87,000 a year and a consequential loss in taxation to the Gold Coast Government; and whether this request can now be granted without further delay.

Sir A. Salter

The Gold Coast Government, amongst other Colonial Governments, was informed by telegram on 26th June that the requirement that gold destined for sale in premium markets should be exported in processed or semi-processed form could be dispensed with.