§ MR. WILLIAM JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the present state of negotiations between Newfoundland and Canada with regard to the incorporation of the former with the Dominion; and if he will be able to aid in overcoming the financial difficulties which formerly presented an obstacle to the union?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN,) Birmingham, W.The negotiations are for the present in abeyance, and if the aid suggested by the question refers to the request that the taxpayers of the 781 United Kingdom should assume a portion of the debt of Newfoundland, which is a self-governing colony, the present Government could only return the same negative answer as was given by my predecessor.