§ Mr. Gurdenasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will bring up to date the figure of £380,450 which at 30th June, 1969, represented sales of gold coins under Statutory Instrument No. 438 to members of the London Gold Market; whether he is satisfied that there are not still individuals illegally holding gold coins; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TaverneThe figure up to end November, 1969, stood at about £433,580. The total sales of gold coins under Statutory Instrument 438, 1966 (The Exchange Control (Gold Coins Exemption) Order 1966) are higher than that as many sales will have been effected through other authorised channels. I am satisfied that the order is fulfilling its main purpose of stopping an unnecessary strain on our reserves.
§ Mr. Rees-Daviesasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it remains the Government's policy to continue the practice of not asking the Director of Public Prosecutions to proceed against those who now make a voluntary disclosure of gold coins which they were under a legal obligation to disclose on 27th April, 1966, under Statutory Instrument No. 438, 1966.
§ Mr. TaverneFor the time being, yes.