HC Deb 01 September 1893 vol 16 cc1716-7
MR. A. C. MORTON

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the circumstances of the Commander of H.M.S. Pelican at St. George's Bay, Newfound-laud, in fixing the price of herrings as between the French ships and the inhabitants of St. George's Bay: and whether he will direct the commanders of ships at Newfoundland not to interfere with the rights of the citizens to fix the price of herrings, or in any other way to interfere with the rights and privileges of British subjects residing in Newfoundland?

*SIR U. KAY-SHUTTLEWORTH

Yes, Sir; I have noticed that this has been the subject of several questions in this House. It has long been the practice for naval officers employed on the coast of Newfoundland, acting also in the capacity of local Magistrates, to consider questions affecting the inhabitants, and settle them according to their interests, and in such a way as to minimise friction between the inhabitants and the French fishermen, who have the right under the Treaty of Utrecht to catch bait for themselves. The arrangements made by the Commander of the Pelican, whereby the inhabitants supplied the French with bait, at a price fixed by him, appear to have been devised in the best interests of both parties, and seems not only to have caused no complaint, but to have given satisfaction on both sides, as the inhabitants were glad to sell the bait, and the French to obtain it promptly. Under these circumstances, no action appears to be called for on the part of the Admiralty.

MR. A. C. MORTON

Is it not a fact that the commanders of British ships try other cases than those arising under the Treaty referred to?

*SIR U. KAY-SHUTTLEWOKTH

They settle a variety of questions which arise in connection with the Newfoundlanders. Newfoundland is a country very sparsely inhabited, and it is the custom of the people on the coast, many of them poor fishermen, to get the commanders of ships to settle disputes for them.

MR. A. C. MORTON

Has the time not arrived when the people of Newfoundland might settle matters of this kind for themselves?

*SIR U. KAY-SHUTTLEWORTH

As soon as the people of Newfoundland express a desire for a change, I have no doubt that the matter will receive the careful consideration of Her Majesty's Government.