§ 77. Mr. HOLMESasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government have made a contract with the Zinc Producers Association Proprietary, Limited, of Australia, for ten years for the supply of zinc concentrates; and, if so, what are its terms?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANBy a contract made in April, 1918, with the Zinc Producers' Association Proprietary, Limited, His Majesty's Government purchased certain stocks of concentrates held by the association at the 31st December, 1917, together with the whole Australian output (less certain reservations) controlled by the association, for the period of the War and ten years thereafter, subject to maxima of 250,000 tons a year during the War and the ensuing twelve months, and 300,000 tons a year thereafter. The purchase is at a flat price for the War period and five years thereafter, with provision as to division of profits on resale of a part of the quantities taken; for the remaining period it is based on the average London market price of spelter, but with a guaranteed minimum.
§ Sir C. HENRYMay I ask how the Government is going to deal with these concentrates?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI cannot say at present.