HC Deb 12 February 1986 vol 91 cc941-2
4. Mr. Penhaligon

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement about the future of Cornwall's tin mining industry.

The Minister of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Mr. Peter Morrison)

I cannot comment on the commercial prospects for Cornwall's tin mining industry until the market reopens and we know the price at which tin will settle. Negotiations to reach a settlement of the tin crisis are in progress and the Government are doing everything they can to ensure the best deal possible to enable orderly trading in tin to resume.

Mr. Penhaligon

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Cornish tin industry contributes £23 million a year to Cornwall's economy and £50 million a year to our balance of payments and employs 2,000 people? The Government have responded generously to the problems of those who deal in tin by offering £50 million. May we have an assurance that those who mine that mineral will receive a similar sum?

Mr. Morrison

I am very much aware of the contribution of the tin industry in Cornwall over the years, not least because the hon. Gentleman and my colleagues have made representations to me and brought delegations to see me. As I have said before to the hon. Gentleman, the best action is to sort out the problems so that we know the price at which tin is trading before looking precisely at the problem relating to Cornwall.

Mr. Hicks

I acknowledge my hon. Friend's efforts, but does he agree that the situation has become urgent? It is almost six months since these problems first arose. Will he assure the House that, once the problems of the International Tin Council are resolved, he will give sympathetic consideration to the needs and requirements of the tin industry in Cornwall?

Mr. Morrison

I could not agree more with my hon. Friend about the urgency of the problem. I have been saying that for some time—no doubt, boring him. As soon as the problem is sorted out, we must look at what is necessary and at what can be done for Cornwall.

Mr. Williams

Is there not at least a marginal inconsistency in the hon. Gentleman's line, in that he cannot decide what help he will give the industry to overcome the crisis until the crisis is over?

Mr. Morrison

With respect, I do not think that there is such an inconsistency. As the right hon. Gentleman is very much aware, many other countries are involved. Until we know precisely the price at which tin settles, it would be incorrect to pre-empt any further discussion.

Mr. Harris

I appreciate the difficulty in which my hon. Friend finds himself. Nevertheless, will he recognise that time is fast running out and that, if we wait much longer, at least one mine—Geevor in my constituency—will no longer exist? We cannot afford to wait much longer.

Mr. Morrison

I am more than aware of the need to get on with this matter. The fact that negotiations have taken place between the council and its creditors is a significant step forward.