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Oral Answers to Questions — Northern Rhodesia (Mining Policy)

– in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 14 December 1949.

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Photo of Mr Frederick Skinnard Mr Frederick Skinnard , Harrow East 12:00, 14 December 1949

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what agreement with the copper mining companies and the British South Africa Company has been arrived at by the Government of Northern Rhodesia for the prospecting of coal measures in the Protectorate; and what is to be the eventual ownership of any coal mines developed.

Mr. Creech Jones:

The parties to this agreement have agreed to spend between them up to £100,000 on these investigations. Eventual ownership of any coal mines developed would be for negotiation between those parties.

Photo of Mr Frederick Skinnard Mr Frederick Skinnard , Harrow East

Does my right hon. Friend mean that there is a possibility of final agreement as to ownership being opposed in principle in his statement on mining policy?

Mr. Creech Jones:

No, the statement on mining policy was primarily concerned with the ownership of royalties and there has been a settlement in this case on that particular matter.

Secretary of State

Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.