HC Deb 19 June 1967 vol 748 c205W
Mr. Alison

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the policy of the Government is still to give people further time to hand in gold coins under Statutory Instrument 1966, No. 438.

Mr. MacDermot

I would refer to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Worthing (Mr. Higgins) on 30th January, 1967.—[Vol. 740. c.19–20.]

Mr. Awdry

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is satisfied that Statutory Instrument 1966, No. 438, relating to gold coins has in general been complied with; and what further steps he intends to take to enforce it.

Mr. MacDermot

I am generally satisfied that the Order, which is intended to discourage hoarding of, and speculation in gold coins, is achieving its purpose. The normal methods of law enforcement will continue.

Mr. Awdry

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many of the 10,405,090 gold sovereigns minted in 1963 have been returned to the Bank of England or the Royal Mint as a result of Statutory Instrument 1966, No. 438.

Mr. MacDermot

None. Gold coins released as a result of the Order are disposed of through market channels, either abroad for foreign exchange, or in some cases to resident collectors or dealers who have the necessary permissions from the Bank of England.