asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what is the future rôle of the Mineral Development Division of the former Ministry of Technology;(2) if, in the light of current representations being made by the metalliferous mining industry, he will review any decision to terminate the activities of the Mineral Development Division of the former Ministry of Technology;(3) what department of the Department of Trade and Industry is to be given the responsibility of mineral development research and co-ordination.

There are no current plans to change the work formerly undertaken by the Mineral Development Division of the Ministry of Technology. This work is now the responsibility of the Mineral Development Branch in the Department of Trade and Industry.