§ Mr. William Edwardsasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will take steps to carry out a survey of the low grade copper deposits in Wales; and what inducements are given by the Government to private companies to undertake their own surveys.
§ Mr. DarlingAnglesey has the only significant copper ore deposits known in214W Wales, and there are detailed geological maps of this area. Since 1955 private companies have explored there. The Government cannot give financial assistance towards pre-exploration surveys; but investment grants are available for some exploration works, and subject to certain conditions, tax relief may be obtained on expenditure for exploration and development, including abortive expenditure.