§ Sir E. NICHOLLasked the Minister of Health, if he is aware of the deplorable state of the Cornish mining industry and the necessity for immediate action to save some of the mines and the industry from total extinction and 16,000 dependants from practical starvation; that this could be done if the dole now paid by the State for no labour return was advanced by the State by way of loan to the larger mines employing the greatest number of men until their development and the cheaper price of coal enabled them to pay their way, a guarantee being given by the mines to employ every man possible and that any sum advanced should be a first charge upon any subsequent profit; and is he prepared to take action to that effect?
§ Sir A. MONDI am aware of the unfortunate state of the Cornish mining industry. While the Government are unable to approve proposals for giving direct financial assistance to the mines, a number of schemes for works of public utility in the locality are being assisted by Government grants, and endeavours are being made to find further means of alleviating the distress.