§ 34. Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that in the 1281 present state of agriculture the production in the third year of 1,000 tons of potash by Mr. Novamesky's company is inadequate to the urgent needs of British farmers; whether he is aware that the British plans that were laid before the late Secretary of State for the Colonies undertook to produce 100,000 tons of potash in the first year and 1,000,000 tons within five years; and on what grounds were these plans rejected?
§ Mr. LUNNAmong the several tenders submitted to the late Government at different stages there was one that contemplated an annual output considerably greater than the minimum production laid down in the concession as actually granted. The tenderers were, however, unable at the time to furnish the evidence required as to their financial resources.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYWill the hon. Member give the House the assurance that nothing will be done during the Recess to ratify this agreement, before we have a chance of debating it?
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYAre we then bound under this to a world monopoly of this syndicate for the next 75 years?
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYI have done so.
§ Mr. LOUIS SMITHWill the hon. Gentleman take into consideration that the only ingredient in artificial fertilisers likely to cause a rise in price is potash?
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs the hon. Gentleman aware that we discussed this question in the closing days of the last Parliament?
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYIt was not properly discussed.