§ 1. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether Her Majesty's Government will now undertake a comprehensive geophysical survey of the Colonial Territories.
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Oliver Lyttelton)This method of survey is not suitable for general application. It is, however, being used in limited areas where it is practicable, and the selection of such areas is being kept under constant review as new geological information is being established by colonial geological surveys.
§ Mr. JohnsonIs the Secretary of State aware that many of our African territories, in particular, have not had a geological survey, never mind a geophysical one? Can he give an assurance that in those particular areas he will in future carry out an intensive geophysical survey? In view of the Commonwealth Conference, there is need to exploit all our resources, particularly in the African territories.
§ Mr. LytteltonI think the hon. Gentleman will realise that a geophysical survey must follow after the general geological survey, which we are pushing on as quickly as we can, but which is an immense task.