HC Deb 11 May 1949 vol 464 cc1832-3
16. Mr. Platts-Mills

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why Mr. John Younglove Cole, an American citizen, was given exclusive rights to search for radio-active uranium-bearing ores in the Kanuku Mountains area of British Guiana.

The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Creech Jones)

I understand that Mr. Cole applied for the rights in the usual way. There is no discrimination, on nationality grounds, in the grant of such rights.

Mr. Platts-Mills

Does this mean that, with other Western Empires, we shall yield to the Americans the exclusive right to take radium bearing minerals from our Colonies? Is this to help the Americans in their preparations for an aggressive war?

Mr. Creech Jones

The first part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question does not arise, as the Governor of the territory has complete control over the exploitation of these minerals.