Does my right hon. Friend share my surprise and concern that the Government have not yet come to the House to make a statement on the very serious Crisis in the Tin Industry - not only as it affects the City of London and the London metal exchange but as it affects the producers of tin in Cornwall?

Can he confirm my impression that my right hon. Friend raised the question of the serious Crisis in the Tin Industry?

Even at the end of an all-night sitting, and with limited time available, I am grateful for the opportunity to raise what is undoubtedly the most important question facing the county of Cornwall today - indeed, the most important question that that county has faced for a long time - the deep Crisis in the Tin Industry.

Will my right hon. Friend confirm that earlier this week she raised with President Mitterrand, either in English or in French, the very serious Crisis in the Tin Industry?

Mr. Penhaligon asked the Paymaster General what studies he has made of the employment implications of the present Crisis in the Tin Industry in Cornwall.

Mr. Lang: Although no studies have yet been concluded of the employment implications of the present Crisis in the Tin Industry in Cornwall, officials in the area are studying the implications for employment of the crisis and all the services of the Department of Employment and MSC are being made available to those made redundant.