§ 42. Sir NICHOLAS GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the fact that metallic tin is not only an essential commodity to the industries of the Empire but also of vital importance to the Empire itself in peace as well as war, and that, according to unanimous expert opinion, within 15 years the alluvial tin deposits of the world will have become exhausted, his Department is in touch with the discussions which are at present going on amongst the chief tin producers of the world in regard to the stabilisation of the world price of tin; and whether he will appoint a special scientific committee to inquire, on behalf of His Majesty's Government, regarding the possibilities of conserving the Empire's resources of tin?
§ Captain HACKING (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)I have been asked to reply. I am aware of the opinion entertained by some authorities as to a prospective shortage in the tin ore supplies of the world, and I am following closely the discussions which are taking place as to this and also as to a possible stabilisation of world prices. It does not appear, however, that any advantage would be gained at the present time by the appointment of such a committee as my hon. Friend suggests.