14 PROCEEDINGS COTTESWOLD CLUB 1901 
in a matter of such vast importance as our coal supply, is 
folly in the extreme. 
What I venture to suggest is, that the time has arrived 
when we should take stock to ascertain what store of 
coal there is left. For this purpose another Coal Com- 
mission should be appointed, as suggested by General 
Russell, member for Cheltenham in the last Parliament. 
If it is then found that exhaustion is going on at a rate 
detrimental to the interest of the nation, the question 
requires careful consideration. 
Another point on which we want information is as to 
what natural stores of coal are hidden under the Secondary 
Rocks, and at what depths. 
But I must not enter into the details of this important 
question, except to say this: It is of national importance 
that the information should be obtained, and the work 
should be undertaken by Government. If coal is found 
on properties beneath the Secondary Rocks, then the 
Government should be enabled by statute to impose a 
perpetual royalty on all coal so discovered at the nation’s 
cost. 
