§ 52. Mr. BILLINGasked the Prime Minister whether Sir Lionel Phillips, Baronet, holds any office under the Government; if so, whether he receives any remuneration for this office and what are the duties and powers conferred on him by virtue of such office?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYSir Lionel Phillips holds the position of Controller of the Mineral Resources Development Branch in the Ministry of Munitions, which position he has held since March, 1917, and for which he receives no remuneration. The duties of his office, under the Minister, are the investigation of mineral resources (other than coal or iron-ore) in the United Kingdom, and where so decided to develop for war purposes such resources either by advice and assistance to the owners or by working them under direct control. The Controller is assisted by an Advisory Committee, upon which are representatives of the Board of Trade, the Geological Survey, and the Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.
§ Mr. BILLINGAre we to understand that anyone who discovers any such property has to report full particulars to Sir Lionel Phillips?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYThere is no obligation of the kind.
§ Mr. KELLAWAYOn the information I have, I think not, but I should like to have notice of the question.