§ 1. Mr. Keelingasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet considered the revision of the sum of £100,000 provided in the International Tin Research Institute budget for each of the five years ending this year.
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. James Griffiths)The annual budget of £100,000 applies to the years 1949, 1950 and 1951. The Council of the International Tin Research Institute are responsible for the preparation of the budget, and they have not informed me that they consider any additional provision necessary.
§ Mr. KeelingCan the right hon. Gentleman explain how five years beginning in 1944 can end in 1951?
§ Mr. GriffithsI cannot explain that. All I can say is that the Council have not asked for any additional money.
§ 2. Mr. Keelingasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the excessive production of tin, which is estimated to exceed consumption in 1950 by 45,000 tons, is a threat to employment in Malaya and Nigeria; and what action he proposes to reduce production or stimulate consumption.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsThe figure quoted by the hon. Member relates to the estimated excess of production over commercial consumption. I hope, however, that purchases for the United States stockpile will absorb the surplus production this year. As the duration and quantity of these purchases is uncertain, the International Tin Study Group, at its meeting in Paris in March last, by a majority 1662 adopted a resolution requesting the Secretary-General of the United Nations to convene, in accordance with the provisions of the Havana Charter, a United Nations' conference at an early date to discuss a commodity control agreement for tin.
§ Mr. KeelingIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the " American Metal Market," which is a United States' journal, attributes the failure to make an agreement for tin under the Havana Charter to the " delay, linger and wait " policy of the United States authorities?