55. Captain CROOKSHANKasked the Minister of Labour if his attention has been called to the remarks made on page 28 of their recently published Report by the Development Commissioners with regard to the possibility of re-opening for agricultural purposes certain closed limestone quarries; and, if so, whether, in conjunction with the Minister of Health, he intends to take any action in the matter?
Mr. GUINNESSI have been asked to reply. Several schemes for stimulating the supply of lime for agricultural purposes, including schemes for the re-opening and working of disused quarries by unemployed labour, have been considered, but difficulties involving financial aid and the possible interference with the ordinary course of trade have rendered them impracticable. I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that lime for agricultural purposes is included in the list of agricultural traffics selected to benefit by the 10 per 32 cent. rebate on railway carriage charges, which comes into operation on the 1st December.
Captain CROOKSHANKIs not my right hon. Friend aware that the point of the recommendation was to try and get more people to work, and not so much the question of cost?
Mr. GUINNESSThere was also the difficulty of getting lime owing to the heavy transport charges. We have explored the matter, and we believe that this remission of transport charges will be of material assistance.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSMay I ask what ordinary course of trade and business would be necessary to enable these quarries to be reopened?