HC Deb 20 April 1937 vol 322 cc1568-9
23. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will take steps to revive the tin mine workings in Great Britain?

The Secretary for Mines (Captain Crookshank)

If the hon. Member has in mind financial assistance, the answer is that I have no funds. If there is any other direction in which he thinks that my Department could be of assistance, perhaps he will let me know.

Mr. Smith

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that some tin mining companies continue to pay dividends after they have closed the mines, and, in view of the financial position, is it not the duty of his Department to do something in this matter?

Lieut.-Commander Agnew

Has the Department considered the desirability of recommending the Government that a guaranteed price should be given for tin worked and produced in Great Britain over a period of years?

Captain Crookshank

Suggestions have been made in various quarters in that direction and have been considered. The price of tin is clearly dependent in the main on the maintenance of international control, and that is the principle which the Government have supported since its inception.

24. Mr. E. Smith

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will take steps to revive the lead workings throughout the country and remove all pre-mining charges in the industry?

Captain Crookshank

I am not clear as to what steps the hon. Member has in mind, but I would refer him to the answer given by the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence to a question by the hon. Member for Barnard Castle (Mr. Sexton) on 22nd March, of which I am sending him a copy.

Mr. G. Hardie

Has any consideration been given by the Mines Department to the lead mines at Leadhills, in Scotland, and is there any possibility of reviving this industry in that area?

Captain Crookshank

Perhaps the hon. Member will look at the answer to which I have referred.