EARL of RONALDSHAYasked (1) if concessions to work wolfram mines in | Burma have recently been granted to German syndicates; and (2), if, in view of the restricted area in which it is found and the uses to which it is put, the Government of India have considered the advisability of limiting the granting of concessions for working wolfram to British subjects?
§ Mr. MONTAGUIt may be convenient if I answer this and the Noble Lord's following question together. The Secretary of State has ascertained from the Government of India that applications for prospecting licenses have been filed by two German firms, one in Bombay and one in Rangoon, but that no prospecting license or mining lease has yet been issued 954 to any German firm or syndicate. The Government of India do not consider it necessary to place restrictions on foreigners in respect of wolfram deposits in Burma. Such deposits are found in many parts of the world. The ordinary mining rules in force in India give sufficient power to limit the area granted to any individual or company.
§ Mr. MONTAGUI am not a mining ex pert, and I am afraid I cannot answer the question.