§ Mr. Maxwell-Hyslopasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many persons have been prosecuted since 13th December, 1968, for failing to declare their holdings of gold coins as required by Statutory Instrument No. 438, 1966; how many persons have been convicted; on what dates; and with what sentences.
§ Mr. Harold LeverStrictly speaking offences do not arise on failure to declare but in respect of buying, selling and holding gold coins without Treasury permission. There have been three prosecutions in respect of such offences involving eight people; all leading to convictions. One at Middlesex on 23rd January, 1969, involving one person who was fined £25. One at Blackpool also on 23rd January, 1969, involving six people, three of whom were fined £350, one fined £300, one fined £250, and one fined £500. One at Nottingham on 13th February, 1969, involving one person who was fined £25 with forfeiture of the coins concerned.