§ SIR EDWARD WATKIN (Hythe)asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether, considering the industrial importance of developing the mineral resources of the three Kingdoms, he is prepared to place a moderate annual sum in the Estimates for the purpose of carrying out systematic explorations and borings in those parts of the Country, more especially where geologists consider it possible that improved stores of coal and other minerals may exist; and, whether he would also recommend that a small royalty should be charged on any minerals so proved, to repay the Nation for such outlays from time to time?
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. HENRY H. FOWLER) (Wolverhampton, E.)(who replied) said: The Chancellor of the Exchequer desires me to state that he cannot hold out any hope to the hon. Member that his proposal will be carried into effect by the Government.