§ 44. Mr. MacVEAGHasked the Minister of Munitions whether the attention of his Department has been called to the supply of iron ore available at Deckomet, Castle-wellan, county Down; and whether, in view of the Prime Minister's statement as to the importance of obtaining iron ore, he will cause immediate inquiry to be made?
§ Sir W. EVANSMy right hon. Friend has already made inquiries with regard to the iron-ore deposits at Deckomet. On present information it appears that several attempts have been made in the past to work this ore, but, owing to its pocketty nature, the attempts were abandoned. Further inquiries, however, are being made; I will communicate the result to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHWill my hon. Friend bear in recollection that the failure of previous efforts was due to the difficulties of transit, and not to the quality of the ore?
§ Sir W. EVANSAs I have told my hon. Friend, further inquiries are being made. We have no intention of not pursuing the matter, and I will let him know the result.