HC Deb 31 May 1938 vol 336 cc1831-2
59. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he can make a statement on the policy to be adopted by the Australian Commonwealth Government with reference to the iron-ore deposits of the Yampi Sound?

Lord Stanley

I understand that the position is as follows. The Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia made a statement in the Commonwealth Parliament on 19th May that after exhaustive consideration the Commonwealth Government had decided to prohibit the export of iron-ore from Australia as from 1st July next and that a proclamation to this effect would be issued forthwith. The proclamation will apply to all countries. In the course of his statement Mr. Lyons indicated that in the light of a thorough investigation and report made by the Commonwealth Geological Adviser the Commonwealth Government were satisfied that accessible iron-ore deposits capable of economic development were so limited as to compel their conservation for Australian industrial requirements. Mr. Lyons added that a complete detailed survey of Australian iron-ore resources would be made, and that if reassuring features appeared, the Commonwealth Government would be prepared to reconsider the decision now reached. Mr. Lyons also stated that the Commonwealth Government would be prepared to examine and consider equitable claims for reimbursement of expenditure which had actually taken place in connection with the development of operations at Yampi.

Mr. Smith

Is it the intention of the Government to advocate the policy which has been adopted by the Commonwealth Government, and will they take steps to prevent a London finance company from monopolising these resources in the way they did on the last occasion?

Lord Stanley

That question certainly ought not to be addressed to me.

Mr. Moreing

Can my Noble Friend give the House an assurance that no representations were made by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom to His Majesty's Government in the Commonwealth with regard to the exportation of iron-ore from Australia?

Lord Stanley

This is entirely a matter for the decision of His Majesty's Government in the Commonwealth.

Mr. Moreing

Then it would not be correct for people to say, as is being suggested in Australia to-day, that this decision has been suggested to the Government of Australia by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom?

Lord Stanley

No such correspondence has ever passed. The decision was taken entirely on the responsibility of His Majesty's Government in Australia.