HC Deb 03 May 1888 vol 325 cc1241-2
MR. T. E. ELLIS (Merionthshire)

asked the Secretary to the Treasury, Whether he can state approximately the amount of money spent by the Woods, Forests, and Land Revenue Commissioners in the discovery and working of gold in Wales, and of the amount of royalties derived from gold mining by private enterprize?

THE SECRETARY (Mr. JACKSON) (Leeds, N.)

No money has been spent by the Commissioners of Woods in the discovery and working of gold in Wales.

MR. HOWELL(for Mr. WATT) (Glasgow, Camlachie)

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether he is now prepared to state what steps the Government propose to take with reference to recent discoveries of gold in Wales, so as to encourage the development of a new industry, and at the same time create what may become a considerable source of revenue to the nation?

THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)

The steps which it is proposed to take, and which, in fact, have been taken, with a view to the development of gold mining in Wales, are to grant licences to such persons as may be desirous to obtain them. The question as to the proportion or amount of the royalty is under the consideration of the Government; and they will do everything in their power to develop the resources of the mines.

MR. HOWELL

asked, whether the action of the Executive in the matter of royalties was not determined by statute? Had the Executive power to vary the statute?

MR. W. H. SMITH

remarked, that that was a question of law to which he could give no answer on the moment.

MR. T. E. ELLIS

asked, whether it would not be well to appoint a Committee to inquire into the working of the statute as it affected gold mining?

MR. W. H. SMITH

said, the Government would take all the steps in the matter that might appear to them to be necessary.