HC Deb 30 January 1967 vol 740 cc19-20W
Mr. Higgins

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government intend to fix a time limit for the handing in of gold coins under Statutory Instrument, 1966, No. 438.

Mr. MacDermot

Not now. Anyone discovered with gold coins in his possession who has not complied with his obligations under the Exchange Control Act is liable to prosecution. But we shall for the time being continue the present practice of not asking the Director of Public Prosecutions (whose consent is necessary) to proceed against those who make voluntary disclosures.

Mr. Higgins

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government will make an estimate of the net addition to Great Britain's gold reserves resulting from the handing in of gold coins which were already in Great Britain before 27th April, 1966 under Statutory Instrument, 1966, No. 438.

Mr. MacDermot

No estimate can be made.

Mr. Higgins

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give the number of persons, being persons who were not collectors of gold coins on 27th April, 1966 and who have since applied to the Treasury for permission to collect gold coins minted after 1837, to whom permission has been granted and refused, respectively.

Mr. MacDermot

Between 27th April, 1966 and 20th January, 1967 106 people who had no gold coins on 27th April, 1966 were granted permission to add gold coins to their collection. It is not possible without a disproportionate expenditure of effort to establish how many of the refused applications were from people who did not hold gold coins on 27th April, 1966; but most of these applications were not of a numismatic nature.