§ Mr. FFRENCHasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, seeing that the price of lead would have risen from £12 7s. 6d. per ton in 1908 to probably £60 per ton at present had it not been for the interference of the Government, who fixed the price at £30 per ton, and seeing that the quantity of lead imported in 1916 was 157,985 tons, and the needs of the Government for lead for war purposes and the needs of industries which must have lead for special purposes, the Government will consider the advisability of promptly exploiting a mine at Barrys-town, South Wexford, said to be rich in both lead and silver?
§ Dr. ADDISONI have been asked to reply to this question. The Government is anxious to do everything possible to encourage and assist the output of metals in the United Kingdom. I will consider whether steps can be taken to assist the development of this mine, and will be glad if the hon. Member will supply any information regarding it in his possession.