HC Deb 05 July 1973 vol 859 cc183-4W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will indicate the statutory provisions governing the ownership of uranium and thorium ores in the United Kingdom; and if he will list those minerals which vest in the Crown.

Mr. Anthony Grant

In Great Britain, gold, silver, petroleum and natural gas are vested in the Crown. Coal is mainly vested in the National Coal Board. All other minerals, including uranim and thorium, are privately owned. On the Continental Shelf, the right to exploit minerals is vested in the Crown except in the case of coal where it vests in the National Coal Board.