20. Dr. MURRAYasked whether the Government is demanding a royalty in connection with Highland water-power; and, if so, what authority the Government has for making the demand?
§ Sir A. GEDDESI presume that the hon. Member has in mind the case of the British Aluminium Company (Lochaber Water Power) Bill of last Session, in respect of which the Board of Trade agreed with the promoters that a royalty of two shillings per annum on the horse power developed should be paid to the State. A requirement of this character accorded with the usual practice of foreign countries in which concessions are granted on the development and utilisation for industrial purposes of the power latent in natural supplies.