§ 21. Mr. HORE-BELISHAasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the inquiries into the suggested establishment of the new industry on the Tamar in connection with tin alluvials have been completed; and whether he proposes to take any steps in the matter?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMInquiries have been made, but there does not appear to be any action which His Majesty's Government can usefully take.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that over £1,000,000 is offered by private sources for the development of this new industry, which cannot proceed because of certain fishing rights which are held by individuals? What the right hon. Gentleman is asked to do is to exercise his influence in the matter in order that some of the unemployed may be absorbed and the country may be enriched.
§ Mr. GRAHAMIn this case also it is difficult to explain the matter in answer to a supplementary question, but part of the difficulty is the doubt as to whether this could be in any circumstances an economic enterprise, and, if there is that doubt, of course it would be very difficult to raise any question as to fishing rights.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the whole risk is to be borne by those who are to put up the money and that the State risks nothing at all?