§ 25. Mr. Rees-Williamsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will state the policy of His Majesty's Government on the ownership and operation of the mineral resources of the Colonial Empire.
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Creech Jones)I have recently conveyed to Colonial Governments, in a memorandum which I propose to publish shortly, my view that it is desirable for their legislation to provide for the reservation to the Crown of mineral rights in any future sale or alienation of Crown or public lands, and have suggested that the desirability of re-acquiring for the Crown mineral rights already alienated, should be reviewed in the light of local circumstances. I have, in addition, made it clear that Colonial Governments should, where necessary, be prepared to undertake mining operations on their own behalf.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsIs the Minister aware that this proposal is a great step forward in Colonial policy?