asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will cause inquiries to be made into the possibility of developing the lead-mining industry of Upper Tees-dale, County Durham; and if he will, in the suggested inquiry, ascertain what new machinery is required to develop the industry and facilitate any loan for this purpose?

I am always ready to consider whether anything can be done to assist schemes which would lead to increased employment, but I would remind my hon. Friend that the Government is not able to guarantee loans for purposes such as that mentioned.

Will my right hon. Friend consider whether or not this is a case which his City friends can take up?

Oh, yes, and I am quite sure that, with the blessing of the hon. Gentleman, it would be a special inducement.

Is it not notorious that the chief difficulty of the lead industry to-day is over production, and that during the last two months steps have been taken by the employers to limit it?