B-206875 L/M: Apr 7, 1982

DIGEST: THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR IS AUTHORIZED BY 25 U.S.C. A QUESTION AROSE AS TO WHETHER THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR IS AUTHORIZED TO DEDUCT ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS FROM ROYALTIES DERIVED FROM MINERAL LEASES ON TRIBAL OR ALLOTTED INDIAN LANDS. SUCH ROYALTIES ARE. THIS LETTER IS IN RESPONSE TO YOUR REQUEST FOR OUR VIEWS ON THE MATTER. WE HAVE EXAMINED THE RELEVANT LEGISLATION AND CONCLUDE THA...