§ 51. Mr. Haymanasked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement on the discovery of coffinite by surveyors of the Royal Geological Survey at Ponsanooth, Cornwall.
§ The Prime MinisterSpecimens of coffinite—[An HON. MEMBER: "What is coffinite?"]—that is a sinister word, but I understand it is a material named after 1397 the gentleman who discovered it, a certain Mr. Coffin, and has no other implications—have recently been found at the disused Roskrow United Mine, near Ponsanooth, in Cornwall, by officers of the Geological Survey. This is the first time this mineral has been found in the United Kingdom and the discovery is therefore of considerable scientific interest. So far as can be estimated at present, the discovery has no economic importance, but further investigations are being carried out.
§ Mr. HaymanWould the Prime Minister bear in mind that Ponsanooth is close to a highly metalliferous mining area, which can become a great national asset and would be a great local asset as well because in my constituency at present there is a very high rate of unemployment?
§ The Prime MinisterThese officers have just made this discovery. As I say, it is not thought at present likely to have an economic value, but, of course, that question will be pursued and investigated.
§ Mr. MellishIn view of the fact that the Prime Minister said this material has no economic value, I should have thought the discoverer was Lord Hailsham.
§ Mr. NabarroVery poor indeed.