HC Deb 26 February 1936 vol 309 cc456-7
67. Mr. LUNN

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he can make any statement on the advance made to Newfoundland from the Colonial Development Fund; and whether it will contribute, and to what extent, to employment in the fisheries or on the land?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION, AFFAIRS (Mr. Douglas Hacking)

The total assistance from the Colonial Development Fund to the Newfoundland Government which has so far been approved amounts to £670,500. This sum includes two loans of £100,000 each in respect of schemes for fishery development and land settlement. These are designed to assist in relieving the unemployment position both by a rehabilitation of the fishery industry and by providing employment on the land.

Mr. LUNN

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of my question, which asks how far this £670,000 has contributed to finding employment?

Mr. HACKING

I have given the amount of the grants, but, of course, it is quite impossible to say exactly how much employment has resulted from any particular grant.

Mr. LUNN

But can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any improvement has come out of this expenditure, or is there likely to be any improvement?

Mr. HACKING

Yes, there has been an improvement, and I should imagine there will be a still greater improvement.

Mr. BELLENGER

Can the right hon. Gentleman say the rate of interest charged for these loans?

Mr. HACKING

No, Sir; not without notice.