HC Deb 23 November 1937 vol 329 cc1019-20
30. Mr. Sexton

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will have a comprehensive survey of the Weardale and Teesdale areas in order to discover the possibility of reopening the lead and other mines, thereby assisting to find employment for the unemployed in those two dales?

The Secretary for Mines (Captain Crookshank)

A survey, such as the hon. Member suggests, is being made by the North-East Development Board, who have for some time, with financial assistance from the Special Areas Commissioner, and with the co-operation of the Geological Survey, been carrying out a survey of the mineral resources, including lead, in the Weardale and Teesdale areas. I understand that they are proposing shortly to publish a report on the subject. In addition, a considerable amount of work has been done and made available by the Geological Survey on the mineral resources of Great Britain.