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Written question asked by David Reed (Conservative) on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 3 September 2026. It was answered by Torsten Bell (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 September 2026 on behalf of the Treasury.


Gold and Foreign Exchange Reserves

Question

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what criteria does the Department use in considering whether an increase in the quantity of monetary gold held in the Exchange Equalisation Account is appropriate.

Answer

The Exchange Equalisation Account (EEA) has held 9.98 million ounces of gold since March 2002. The Government has no plans to permanently change the stock of gold it holds.

HM Treasury and the Bank of England agree the strategic asset allocation of EEA annually. The allocation is determined in line with the EEA’s policy objectives and its investment principles of readiness, risk tolerance and optimising risk-adjusted return.

Gold remains an important component of the EEA’s diversified portfolio.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
26436
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Gold and foreign exchange reserves
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk