§ 39. Mr. Skinnardasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what terms an exclusive exploration licence has been granted to the Permanente Aluminium Corporation of California to prospect for bauxite in British Guiana, whether the Government of British Guiana will in view of the prospective development of hydroelectric power in that' Colony, include in all future mining contracts a clause that 1227 mining companies which are also manufacturers must manufacture within the Colony if requested to do so by the local Government.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsA licence over an area in the Pomeroon district has been granted to the Corporation for one year in the first instance at a rent of one cent. per acre. The licence may be renewed for two or more successive periods of one year at the discretion of the Governor. The hydro-electric potentialities of British Guiana are now under investigation, and the British Guiana Government will take steps to encourage the local manufacture of alumina or aluminium if the results of the investigation are favourable for such manufacture.
§ Mr. SkinnardIs my hon. Friend prepared to make it obligatory?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsI would not like to say that we will make it obligatory, but we will certainly see that the interest is put before the Government, and that they will take such steps as they can to draw it to the notice of the companies concerned.