No big bill

AS the Government tightens its belt and orders a review of public spending, it has created a new Ministry of Mining and Geology. But Minister Floyd Green insists taxpayers will hardly feel the cost, arguing that the ministry is being built largely from resources and positions that were already in place.

Green, who also has responsibility for agriculture and fisheries, said the new ministry would not require the Government to recruit additional staff, establish new agencies or provide separate office accommodation.

He made the comments at Wednesday’s post-Cabinet press briefing, where he outlined the ministry’s plans and defended its creation against the backdrop of the Government’s drive to reduce expenditure and redirect resources towards national recovery.