§ 49. Mr. WIGNALLasked the Prime Minister if he is aware that, in consequence of the Levant tin mine disaster at Pendine, Cornwall, a large number of workpeople have been thrown out of employment and, as a result of the stoppage'. of the unemployment donation, there is. considerable distress existing among people at Pendine and St. Just, Cornwall; and can he recommend a grant from the national fund, or from any other source, to assist these people during their period of unemployment?
§ Sir R. HORNEI have been asked to reply to this question. I am aware of the temporary stoppage of work at Pendine in consequence of the tin-mining disaster, and every effort is being made to place those men who are willing to take work temporarily in other districts. The National Relief Fund is only designed to 403 assist cases of distress arising out of the War, and would, I fear, not be available for the purpose suggested. I do not know of any funds which cover such. In the past they have usually been met by local relief funds and fortuitous occurrences.
§ Mr. WIGNALLIs the right hon Gentleman aware that the real tragedy of this business is that it is not possible out of a, national fund to provide something to tide these people over a period of distress? Can he inform us why no efforts are made to place these men who are unemployed in consequence of the disaster into other places of employment, because in that part of Cornwall there is no employment?