HC Deb 08 March 1956 vol 549 c2299
27. Mr. Lee

asked the President of the Board of Trade what discussions he has had with the Government of Southern Rhodesia, with a view to obtaining supplies of nickel from the deposits now known to exist there.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

I presume that the hon. Member is referring to the indications of nickel-bearing ores found at Gatooma in Southern Rhodesia. No discussions between Governments are contemplated with regard to these deposits. I understand that the exclusive rights to explore them have been acquired by a British mining company and that exploratory work is now in progress.

Mr. Lee

Does the President remember that he has already agreed that there is a world shortage of nickel? There is a very great demand for nickel, and would not it be a very great catastrophe for British industry if we were not to get in on the ground floor and obtain agreements by which our industries were helped to ensure the future of nickel exports to this country?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I fully appreciate the hon. Gentleman's point, but if there is a world shortage of supply, and if there are some supplies here for which a well known mining company is exploring, that seems to be a very satisfactory state of affairs.