§ 5. Mr. D. Adamsasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether he is aware that certain bauxite deposits in British Guiana, leased to foreign prospectors, are remaining undeveloped, and whether he will take steps to see that future leases contain requisite clauses to provide for the working of concessions in the general interest?
§ Mr. Harold MacmillanNo, Sir. Prospecting must commence within six months of the grant of an exclusive permission to explore for bauxite and must be continued diligently thereafter; provision is also made to secure that areas in respect of which mining leases are granted are properly worked. Moreover, the terms of the royalty arrangements are specially devised to induce rapid development.
§ Mr. AdamsIs not the Minister aware that six months is a protracted period, in face of the large number of unemployed people who want such employment?
§ Mr. MacmillanAs my hon. Friend knows, there are many difficulties in the rapid development of new mines, in the getting of machinery and so on. If my hon. Friend will give me specific points, I shall be very grateful. We are anxious to develop with all possible speed.