MR. HERBERT ROBERTS (Denbighshire, W.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the recently published review, by the Director of the Geological Survey of India, of the last six years progress in the development of Indian mineral wealth; whether he is aware that the annual production of minerals during this period is valued at less than £5,000,000; and whether the Government of India propose taking practical steps in the immediate future to secure the further development of Indian industries.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Mr. BRODRICK, Surrey, Guild-ford)I have seen the Report. The Report brings out the fact that, though the average value for the six years is under £5,000,000, there has been a steady progress in production, representing an increase of 44 per cent, in the period. There is reason to hope that this progress will continue. The development of mineral and other industries in India will have the attention of the newly created Department of Commerce and Industry.