59. Mr. FOOTasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can state the amount which has been expended in relief of the unemployed Cornish miners, both out of national and local funds; and whether he can state the amount which was asked by way of subvention for the purpose of keeping the mines working?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Bridgeman)I have been asked to reply. I understand that the available information does not readily admit of an accurate calculation being made as regards the first part of the question, but if the hon. Member will put down questions to my right hon. Friends the Minister of Health and the Minister of Labour, they will no doubt give what figures they can. As regards the last part of the question, various requests or suggestions of a general character have been made from time to time that some financial assistance should be given to the industry. But no request for subvention has been made by the mines as a whole, nor has any scheme involving any definite sum of money been suggested for the mines as a whole.
§ Sir E. NICHOLLTo what extent are they willing to help the Cornish miners, in view of the fact that some 16,000 of them are out of work?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe present Minister is not capable of answering that question.