Mrs. Jegerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the improved economic position of the country, he will now release a limited quantity of gold to craftsmen jewellers in order that traditional skills may be maintained.
§ Mr. MaudlingIt is still necessary to husband our gold reserves; but supplies of new gold are released to replace gold used in the manufacture of jewellery and goldsmiths' wares for export, and the trade are able to use scrap gold which comes into their possession for the manufacture of new articles.176W the sum involved, the country or organisation for whose benefit the commitment has been made, the general purpose, and whether the sum is by way of grant, loan or sterling balance release.
§ Mr. MaudlingI regret the information is not available in the precise form requested. The table below shows the components of the totals for 1953–54 and 1954–55.