§ Mr. Tinnasked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, in view of the economic potential of the mineral resources of this country, what steps the Government propose to assist mineral operators to obtain access to minerals.
§ Mr. ShoreIt has been pointed out to the Government on a number of occasions 251W that exploration and exploitation of minerals can be frustrated by difficulties in acquiring mineral rights. The Government are considering legislation to remedy this by a scheme under which, subject to normal planning procedures, mineral operators would be authorised to explore for minerals under licence and, where exploitation would otherwise be impracticable, to apply for a Minerals Acquisition Order to enable them to work the minerals. The legislation would also provide an opportunity of facilitating the work of the Institute of Geological Sciences. The views of the major interested parties are being sought. I am arranging for a copy of the proposals to be made available in the Library of the House.