§ Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that those who now voluntarily disclose holdings of gold coins under Statutory Instrument No. 438, 1966, will profit from the higher market price of gold compared with those who made their disclosures after 27th April, 1966, the date on which they were legally required to do so; and if he will introduce an amending order to remove this anomaly.
§ Mr. Harold LeverI am aware that persons who now voluntarily sell their 65W gold coin under the 1966 Order get a higher price than those who did so earlier. This has been an unavoidable anomaly, but persons holding gold coin risk prosecution, and on a conviction the courts have power to order forfeiture in addition to the usual penalties. I have no intention of introducing an amending order at this time. I am still satisfied that the 1966 Order fulfils a useful purpose.