HC Deb 27 May 1937 vol 324 cc437-8
57. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will arrange for consultations to take place with representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia at the forthcoming Imperial Conference, with a view to securing that the iron ore deposits of Yampi Sound and the Blythe River are developed by and for British or Australian industry?

The Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (Marquess of Hartington)

My right hon. Friend does not think that the question is one that could usefully be discussed at the Imperial Conference. The development of the iron ore deposits in Australia is a matter for the Commonwealth Government and for the respective State Governments. I understand that an Australian operating company has been formed to develop the iron ore deposits in the Yampi Sound, and it appears from a recent notice in the Press that a company with a nominal capital of £35O,OO0 has been formed to develop the Blythe River deposits.

Mr. Smith

Is the Noble Lord aware that this Australian company has been formed by a London finance company and that these iron ore supplies are being exploited in Japanese interests?

Marquess of Hartington

I understand the Australian Government are fully informed about the position.

Miss Wilkinson

In view of the serious shortage of iron ore in this country and the fact that, as the result of the policy of the Government, the Spanish deposits have been handed over to General Franco, does not the Noble Lord consider that the time has arrived for the development of iron ore within the Empire?