§ 19. Mr. Skinnardasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what agreement with the copper mining companies and the British South Africa Company has been arrived at by the Government of Northern Rhodesia for the prospecting of coal measures in the Protectorate; and what is to be the eventual ownership of any coal mines developed.
Mr. Creech JonesThe parties to this agreement have agreed to spend between them up to £100,000 on these investigations. Eventual ownership of any coal mines developed would be for negotiation between those parties.
§ Mr. SkinnardDoes my right hon. Friend mean that there is a possibility of final agreement as to ownership being opposed in principle in his statement on mining policy?
Mr. Creech JonesNo, the statement on mining policy was primarily concerned with the ownership of royalties and there has been a settlement in this case on that particular matter.