HC Deb 21 March 1951 vol 485 c293W
88. Mr. Awbery

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the United States Government have decided to purchase no more tin; and what action he is taking to prevent the workers in the tin mines of Malaya from suffering industrially as a consequence of this action.

Mr. J. Griffiths

The United States Government have announced publicly that they have suspended purchases of tin for their stockpile until the price falls to what they describe as a reasonable level. After a heavy initial fall the price of tin has been recovering, and it still remains to be seen how long this decision will be maintained and what its ultimate consequences will be. I do not expect any immediate suffering by the tin miners in Malaya.