§ Mr. RedwoodTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what action her Department is taking to assist the Cornish tin mining industry. [13225]
§ Mr. Battle[holding answer 30 October 1997]: Following the announcement on 7 August by South Crofty plc of the intention to close the South Crofty tin mine, officials from the Government Office for the South West have been working closely with the mine on a range of proposals. A delegation led by my hon. Friend the Member for Falmouth and Camborne (Ms Atherton) met my hon. Friend the Minister for Small Firms on 10 September. An application from South Crofty plc for regional selective assistance was received by the Department of Trade and Industry on 20 October 1997. The assessment of the application is being given the highest possible priority so that an early decision can be reached. It will be considered against the normal criteria for the scheme. These include demonstrating the viability of the project.