§ 10. Mr. DUCKWORTHasked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware of the amount of unemployment among metal miners, particularly in the tin mines of Cornwall and in the lead and barytes mines of Shropshire; and, in view of the schemes now being considered by the Government with a view to assisting other distressed industries, if he will take such steps as may be practicable to help the metalliferous mining industry in particular?
Mr. THOMASI am aware that there is some unemployment among men engaged in the metalliferous mines, and if 2022 any practical suggestions are put forward to me to deal with this situation I shall be happy to consider them.
§ Mr. DUCKWORTHIn view of the negotiations which are taking place in regard to rationalisation, can the right hon. Gentleman give those in the industry any definite assurance of favourable consideration by the Government for any concrete schemes?
Mr. THOMASIt would be absurd for me to make any offer in circumstances such as those of question and answer, without knowing anything of the proposals that were being submitted. In reply to the question on the Paper, I have said that, if any of these proposals are made, they will be considered, and beyond that I cannot go.
§ Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMSHas the right hon. Gentleman yet begun to apply his mind to the question of the position of the tin mines in Cornwall, which is very important?
§ Mr. FOOTHas the right hon. Gentleman had a request that he should receive a deputation representing the tin-mining industry of Cornwall, and is it likely that arrangements for receiving the deputation will be made soon?
Mr. THOMASI cannot remember having received such a request. There may be one in, but I have not yet seen it.
§ Mr. KELLYDid not the right hon. Gentleman's officers receive a deputation the week before last, and are they not now considering the whole of the proposals?