§ 12. Mr. WIGNALLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the tin-mining industry in Cornwall is at a complete standstill and that all those normally engaged in it are unemployed; and whether any action can be taken to help the industry to recover?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Bridgeman)I am aware of the unfortunate position in Cornwall as stated by the hon. Member. The matter has had my careful consideration, but I fear that no action which it is within my power to take is likely to help the industry to recover. The position is due to economic factors, and revival depends upon an improvement in the price of tin (which is now approximately what it was before the War) or upon reduction of costs of production, or both.
§ Mr. WIGNALLCan the right hon. Gentleman hold out any hope of the Government adopting any of the recommendations of the recent Committee, because there are other causes than the economic by which the conditions could be improved?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI shall be glad to consider any schemes which those interested in the industry can bring forward for working it more economically.