HC Deb 08 July 1931 vol 254 c2078
44. Mr. KELLY

asked the Secretary for Mines whether any tin mines have ceased working in Cornwall during the last 12 months?

The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Shinwell)

During the last 12 months productive operations ceased at six Cornish tin mines, although dressing operations at one and pumping operations at another were continued. Prospecting operations at another mine ceased.

Mr. KELLY

Are any investigations being undertaken by the Department to see whether these mines may again resume work?

Mr. SHINWELL

Some time ago I asked my metalliferous mines advisory committee to conduct an inquiry not exclusively into the tin mines, but into mineral resources generally. I understand that they have referred the matter to a non-ferrous sub-committee and that a report will be published shortly. I doubt very much, on the information in my possession, whether much can be done.

Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE

Is not this entirely a case of the price of tin?

Mr. SHINWELL

I think it is largely.