47. Major-General Sir NEWTON MOOREasked the Prime Minister whether any borings have been made to ascertain the total amount of phosphate rock available for shipment and the phosphate contents in the Nauru and Ocean islands; what is the proportion allotted to Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand, respectively; and the annual shipment to each of these countries since the mandate was granted?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAs the reply to this question involves a considerable number of figures, I hope my hon. and gallant Friend will agree to my circulating it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the reply:
§ I understand that numerous borings have been made to ascertain the amount of phosphate rock available at Nauru and Ocean island and that it is estimated that these two islands (together) contain over 100,000,000 tons of phosphate (of a quality containing from 85 per cent. to 88 per cent. tribasic phosphate of lime).
§ Under the existing arrangements the three Governments are entitled to an allotment of the phosphate produced in each year in the following proportions: