HC Deb 24 July 1973 vol 860 cc468-9W
Mr. Stainton

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will discuss with the International Commodities Clearing House and the relevant trade commodity dealing bodies steps to introduce substantially higher deposits and stop the exploitation of clearing house contracts by brokers in order to reduce speculative pressure in commodity markets.

Sir G. Howe

The International Commodities Clearing House keeps the level of deposits on contracts in the terminal markets constantly under review; in the case of cocoa an increase in the deposit has recently been instituted after discussions between the clearing house and the London cocoa market.