§ 73. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will end the Selection Trust monopoly of diamond mining in Sierra Leone and issue licences to individual miners.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe Chief Minister of Sierra Leone and two of his colleagues are arriving shortly to discuss the whole future of diamond mining policy in Sierra Leone and I am not in a position in the meantime to make a statement.
81. Mr. John Hallasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what effect the development of illicit diamond mining in Sierra Leone is having on the economic and social life of that country.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydIt is unfortunately the case that illicit diamond mining in Sierra Leone has caused a substantial loss of potential revenue from taxation, 73W a decline in agricultural production, inflated prices for foodstuffs, and disrespect for the law in those areas where it is prevalent.