§ 35. Mr. Dodds-Parkerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is in a position to make any statement with regard to the recent new discoveries of diamonds and precious metals in Tanganyika; and when he anticipates that he will be able to make a full statement with regard to Government policy in this matter.
Mr. Creech JonesI hope to be able to discuss the policy to be adopted in the utilisation of diamonds and other minerals in Tanganyika with representatives of the Tanganyika Government in the very near future, and I trust I shall be able to make a statement before long.
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerCan I take it that the Minister does not propose to follow. up the speech made in another place, or to follow the President of the Board of Trade in spending the taxpayers' money in highly speculative gambles?
Viscount HinchinǵbrookeIn view of the most disquieting reply to a previous Question on mineral rights, are we to assume that the Minister proposes to lay his hands on these new discoveries?
Mr. Creech JonesI should imagine the African people themselves have the first claim on these discoveries. In any case, I must ask the noble Lord to wait until I make a statement on diamonds in Tanganyika.