LONDON: Representatives of nine Commonwealth nations and over 25 British colonial territories meeting secretly here, have agreed on plans for expanding output of certain raw materials. These plans were disclosed at a Press conference, after the four-day conference by Mr Richard Stokes, Lord Privy Seal and Minister for Materials, who as leader of the British Delegation presided over the talks.

He gave the following list:- Bharat will turn out more iron ore, pig iron and steel. Pakistan will increase sulphur, manganese and cotton output. The colonies, particularly Malaya, will increase production of tin and rubber.

Canada has agreed to increase her production of iron ore, ferrous metals and basic chemicals. She will also divert more copper to Britain. Australia has agreed to increase its production of copper, lead, zinc, steel and aluminium. New Zealand will step up production of pulp, timber and newsprint. South Africa, producer of gold, has agreed to increased production of phosphates, refined oil and insecticides. Southern Rhodesia has agreed to increase coal supplies and transport facilities, and is already doing so.

Published in Dawn, September 28th, 2026