§ 21. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion 1528 Affairs whether he has yet considered the desirability, raised in debate in this House in 1934, of the direct representation of Newfoundland in this House?
§ Mr. HACKINGI am aware that suggestions to this effect were made during the passage of the Newfoundland Bill of 1933. It is clear that a proposal raising such wide issues could not be considered in relation to Newfoundland alone. Apart from this, however, my right hon. Friend does not consider the suggestion a practicable one as regards Newfoundland.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODHas the right hon. Gentleman who has just taken over the Dominions Office yet inquired into this matter, or does it await his return to the House?
§ Mr. HACKINGMy right hon. Friend has inquired into it.
§ Earl WINTERTONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is in Newfoundland considerable sympathy with the suggestion made by the right hon. and gallant Gentleman opposite; and will he consider the case on its merits apart from other Dominions which are in a very different position from Newfoundland?
§ Mr. HACKINGYes, Sir, but the case has already been considered on its own merits. There are many difficulties, and one of them is the danger of the Newfoundland representatives in this House being in disagreement with the Commissioners in their own country.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs it not precisely those matters on which it is important that the House should have information?
§ 26. Mr. LUNNasked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has considered the copy sent to him of resolutions passed at a public meeting in the Majestic Theatre, St. John's, Newfoundland, on 30th October, 1935, complaining of the destitute condition of the people and urging the speedy abolition of the present form of Government in the Colony and the restoration of the former constitution with full legislative status; and what reply is being given to this request?
§ 29. Mr. MAXTONasked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has considered the petition 1529 from Newfoundland citizens calling attention to the depressed condition of the people of that country and praying for redress of their grievances; and whether he proposes to take any action?
§ Mr. HACKINGMy right hon. Friend has received the resolutions through the Governor and, in accordance with the request of the signatories, has laid them before His Majesty the King. He is satisfied, however, that the terms of the resolutions are not founded on any substantial basis, and he has been unable to advise His Majesty to take any action thereon.
§ Mr. LUNNIs it not a fact that the economic circumstances of the people of Newfoundland are worse to-day than they were when the commission was appointed?
§ Mr. HACKINGIt does not follow that those conditions would be improved by any change of Government. There are economic reasons for the present depression.
§ Mr. MAXTONDoes the right hon. Gentleman think that his right hon. Friend knows the feelings of the people of Newfoundland better than they do themselves?
§ Mr. HACKINGThis Resolution cannot be regarded as in any way representing the feelings of the majority of the people of Newfoundland.
§ Mr. MAXTONDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that this petition was sent here by a large and representative gathering in the town of St. John's, which is the most representative town in the Divisions?
§ Mr. HACKINGYes, I am aware of that. I am also aware, having read the Press reports, that at the meeting the speeches were not regarded very seriously by those present. It is clear that the resolution cannot be regarded as representative of public opinion in the island.