§ 32. Sir L. Plummerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many colonial Governments have taken legislative action in accordance with the principles enumerated in the White Paper on Colonial Mining Policy, Colonial No. 206.
§ Mr. ProfumoThe White Paper purported to cover the whole field of mining policy including many ancillary issues of fiscal and social policy. The main suggestion for legislative action was for the vesting of mineral rights in the Crown.
Since the White Paper was issued seven Colonial Governments have enacted legislation in pursuance of this suggestion.
§ Sir L. PlummerWill the hon. Gentleman ask his right hon. Friend to impress upon those who have not adopted this recommendation that they should put it into operation now. so that the mineral rights of the territories shall be preserved?
§ Mr. ProfumoI will certainly consider that suggestion.