asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that in the provinces, banks refuse to pay more than 20s. for gold sovereigns, and that individuals desiring to obey the instructions of the Treasury to hand their gold coins to the authorities are forced to do so through jewellers who pay varying amounts according to the profits they seek to make, he will take steps to enable the gold coins to be collected by the banks at fair prices?

I am not aware that provincial banks refuse to take sovereigns except at face value. If, however, the hon. Member has any specific cases to bring forward, I shall be glad to have them examined.

I will submit some cases.

Will the Chancellor of the Exchequer assure me that in the event of any one taking 100 £1 notes to the Bank of England he will be given 100 sovereigns?