§ 24. Mr. KELLYasked the Secretary for Mines if his attention has been called to the fact that, in spite of the increased demand for tin, the progress made in opening up the tin mines of Cornwall is slow as compared with other countries; and will he institute an inquiry into the question as to how far this is due to the difficulty experienced in obtaining grants of mining leases by those prepared to work the mines?
§ Commodore KINGI do not consider that an inquiry of this kind is necessary. As I informed the hon. Member on 19th April, I have not heard of any difficulties of the character indicated, and I have no doubt that if there are any they will be brought to my notice.
§ Mr. KELLYIs the hon. and gallant Member aware of any cases in Cornwall where these mines are being held from working by those who own the land, because they desire to sell the land and, therefore, they refuse to give mining leases?
§ Commodore KINGNo, Sir. I am not aware of any. If there are any such cases, I am sure that they will be brought to my notice.
§ Mr. KELLYIf I bring them to the notice of the hon. and gallant Member, will he inquire into them?
§ Commodore KINGCertainly, but I think they would be brought to my notice by those wishing to produce the minerals.