asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his attention has been drawn to a report that it is proposed to spend £500,000 in prospecting for uranium and other minerals in this country; and if he will state how much truth is contained in this report.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mineral Prospecting.
I indicated, when the Vote for my Department was under consideration, that a fuller exploration of our mineral resources was in contemplation and that the expenditure involved in this work would exceed £500,000. I hope to introduce legislation towards this end in the near future. I have seen in the Press the reports mentioned in the question, but the general conclusions drawn in these reports are not in accordance with the facts.
May I take it from the Minister's reply that it is the intention of the Government to exploit any uranium deposits that may be discovered?