HC Deb 09 July 1863 vol 172 cc439-40
MR. HENRY SEYMOUR

said, he would beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, If he is aware that the Legislature of Newfoundland have, for the first time, taxed the Coast of Labrador, although its Inhabitants are unrepresented in the Newfoundland Legislature; and if he can lay upon the table of the House any Correspondence with the Governor of Newfoundland relating to this subject?

MR. CHICHESTER FORTESCUE

said, in reply, that within the last day or two the Government had received an Act passed by the Legislature of Newfoundland which did impose Customs Duties, though not for the first time, on that portion of territory mentioned in the question. The Coast of Labrador was not included within any of the electoral districts of Newfoundland, and, technically, the inhabitants were not represented there. He believed, however, that they were few in number and much scattered. His noble Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies, had only just received the Act in question, and would be ready to consider any of its provisions which might be deemed unjust or oppressive. There would be no objection to produce the Correspondence.