Cornwall (Tin Mining)

Oral Answers to Questions — Trade and Industry – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 12 February 1986.

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Photo of Mr David Penhaligon Mr David Penhaligon , Truro 12:00, 12 February 1986

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement about the future of Cornwall's tin mining industry.

Photo of Hon. Peter Morrison Hon. Peter Morrison , City of Chester

I cannot comment on the commercial prospects for Cornwall's tin mining industry until the market reopens and we know the price at which tin will settle. Negotiations to reach a settlement of the tin crisis are in progress and the Government are doing everything they can to ensure the best deal possible to enable orderly trading in tin to resume.

Photo of Mr David Penhaligon Mr David Penhaligon , Truro

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Cornish tin industry contributes £23 million a year to Cornwall's economy and £50 million a year to our balance of payments and employs 2,000 people? The Government have responded generously to the problems of those who deal in tin by offering £50 million. May we have an assurance that those who mine that mineral will receive a similar sum?

Photo of Hon. Peter Morrison Hon. Peter Morrison , City of Chester

I am very much aware of the contribution of the tin industry in Cornwall over the years, not least because the hon. Gentleman and my colleagues have made representations to me and brought delegations to see me. As I have said before to the hon. Gentleman, the best action is to sort out the problems so that we know the price at which tin is trading before looking precisely at the problem relating to Cornwall.

Photo of Mr Robert Hicks Mr Robert Hicks , South East Cornwall

I acknowledge my hon. Friend's efforts, but does he agree that the situation has become urgent? It is almost six months since these problems first arose. Will he assure the House that, once the problems of the International Tin Council are resolved, he will give sympathetic consideration to the needs and requirements of the tin industry in Cornwall?

Photo of Hon. Peter Morrison Hon. Peter Morrison , City of Chester

I could not agree more with my hon. Friend about the urgency of the problem. I have been saying that for some time—no doubt, boring him. As soon as the problem is sorted out, we must look at what is necessary and at what can be done for Cornwall.

Photo of Alan Williams Alan Williams , Swansea West

Is there not at least a marginal inconsistency in the hon. Gentleman's line, in that he cannot decide what help he will give the industry to overcome the crisis until the crisis is over?

Photo of Hon. Peter Morrison Hon. Peter Morrison , City of Chester

With respect, I do not think that there is such an inconsistency. As the right hon. Gentleman is very much aware, many other countries are involved. Until we know precisely the price at which tin settles, it would be incorrect to pre-empt any further discussion.

Photo of Mr David Harris Mr David Harris , St Ives

I appreciate the difficulty in which my hon. Friend finds himself. Nevertheless, will he recognise that time is fast running out and that, if we wait much longer, at least one mine—Geevor in my constituency—will no longer exist? We cannot afford to wait much longer.

Photo of Hon. Peter Morrison Hon. Peter Morrison , City of Chester

I am more than aware of the need to get on with this matter. The fact that negotiations have taken place between the council and its creditors is a significant step forward.