§ MR. GEORGE ROBERTS (Norwich)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether any mining companies have ever entered into negotiations with his Department before extending mining operations below low-water mark, in recognition of the right of the State to minerals thus extracted; and, if so, to what extent has this been done.
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. RUNCIMAN,) DewsburyMinerals under the sea belong to Crown and are under the management of the Commissioners of Woods. It is the usual course for persons desiring to carry on mining operations under the sea to apply to the Commissioners for a lease, and many such leases have been granted reserving rents and royalties to the Crown.