CAPTAIN AYLMERasked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether the orders given to the Government of Newfoundland, in 1870 or 1871, to prevent the opening of mines on the east shore of the island are still in force; and, if so, whether, considering the advisability of encouraging the development of mining enterprises and other industries in our Colonies, he will take steps to have such order rescinded?
MR. GRANT DUFFThe Orders given in 1869, which modified certain Orders of 1866, are still in force. These Orders prohibit mining operations within half a mile of high-water mark in certain districts of Newfoundland, over the strand of which the French Government has ancient rights. Unless and until some final agreement about these rights shall have been come to, Her Majesty's present Advisers do not see their way to depart from the policy which has been pursued with reference to this matter by all their Predecessors for many years.