§ 26. Commander Agnewasked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many sittings there have been of the Mineral Development Committee appointed by his predecessor nearly two years ago; and when the Committee is expected to make its report.
§ Mr. GaitskellThe Mineral Development Committee has had 11 meetings and its Technical and Economic Sub-Committees have met 23 and 11 times respectively. A Scottish Sub-Committee has had eight meetings. In addition, members of the Committee have made nine visits to mines and mining districts. I am informed that the Committee has still considerable evidence to collect and that it is likely to be some months yet before its report will be ready.
§ Commander AgnewDoes not the Minister think that three years since the Government took office is quite long long enough for them to announce their policy with regard to what is one of the oldest industries in this country, namely, the winning of the metals under its surface? In view of the fact that they visited one of the chief sites of these metals, namely, Cornwall, as long ago as January 1947, would he hurry up the Committee and get them at any rate to produce an interim report?
§ Mr. GaitskellI am sure the Committee are well aware of the importance of the subject, but their terms of reference are very wide and I think we must give them a little more time.
§ Mr. BeechmanWill the Minister bear in mind that there is a considerable body of local opinion which is anxious to see this report as soon as possible, as there are people who have in mind possible developments to suggest.
§ Mr. GaitskellYes, I appreciate the local interest in this matter.