§ 51. Mr. C. DUNCANasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Mineral Resource Department of the Government have closed down the Cornish Wolfram Mines, Limited; whether he is aware that a number of workmen have been thrown out of employment without either the usual week's notice and without receiving the wages then due to them; and whether he will make inquiry into the matter with a view to these men's wages being paid without further delay?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of MUNITIONS (Mr. Kellaway)This mine was being worked as a private concern by a limited company, and the working was discontinued by that company, and not by the Ministry. I am informed that the men were told they would receive a week's pay in lieu of notice, but the company has not, in fact, paid the wages due by them to the miners, and they have informed the Ministry that they have no funds with which to do so. As the Ministry had a charge upon the assets of the company which has now matured, owing to the company ceasing to carry on their business, they have recently appointed a receiver, who will in due course realise and deal with such assets according to the rights of the parties interested, and the wages of the miners will be a preferential debt under the Companies Consolidation Act, 1908, to be paid as soon as there are any available assets in the receiver's hands.