Major OWENasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the refusal of the Commissioners of Crown Lands to recommend a grant to the Amalgamated Slate Association, Limited, and that this refusal involves the placing of approximately 300 men permanently out of employment; and whether, in view of their circumstances, he will make recommendations to the Commissioners to reconsider their decision?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe Commissioners of Crown Lands are aware of the misfortunes which have befallen certain quarries in Carnarvon, which have been worked for many years by the Amalgamated Slate Association, Limited, but while they deplore the unemployment caused by the closing of these quarries, they regret that they have no power under their Statutes to accede to the company's request for a grant.