§ 109. Mr. G. R. Straussasked the Secretary for Overseas Trade, as representing the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, how far the negotiations for the Volta River project for the production of aluminium has proceeded; what is the attitude of the Government to the project; what obstacles remain to be overcome; and how soon he anticipates that conclusions can be reached and work on the venture begun.
§ Mr. MackesonThe United Kingdom Government are greatly interested in the potentialities of the Gold Coast as an additional sterling area source of aluminium, but participation in the Volta River project would involve heavy capital commitments, and it is important from the point of view of all concerned that the scheme should be thoroughly examined in all its aspects before commitments are undertaken.
The present position is that further exploratory talks between representatives of the United Kingdom Government, the 73W Gold Coast Government, Aluminium Limited and the British Aluminium Company were concluded last week. Satisfactory progress was made in discussing the main outstanding technical and financial questions, but certain points will require further examination before the Governments and companies will be in a position to undertake any commitment. I am sure that no time will be lost by any of the parties, but I should not like to predict when it will be possible for any decision to be taken.