§ 2. Lord Dunglassasked the Minister of Supply whether he will conduct a survey in the Leadhills area of Lanarkshire to establish whether there are sufficient deposits of lead to justify a renewal of mining.
§ Mr. G. R. StraussI am looking into this matter and will write to the noble Lord as soon as possible.
§ Mr. Niall MacphersonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is nearly five years since I first raised the question of these lead deposits, which extend into Dumfriesshire? As the price of lead is very much more attractive than it was at that time, is it not time that the Minister did a little more than look into the matter?
§ Mr. StraussThe major responsibility for producing lead in this country rests with private companies, who are opening a number of lead mines in various areas.
§ Lord DunglassIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that with development rights restricted as they are there is very little incentive to private companies to undertake development?