asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he has power to grant leases of (a) land for the purposes of mining, and (b) mines that had once been worked, but which are now closed down; and, if not, whether he will introduce proposals for legislation vesting him with the necessary powers to enable him to grant such leases.

I have no such power, pending legislation in pursuance of Article XI. of the Constitution, which is being prepared for introduction.