HC Deb 07 May 1895 vol 33 cc622-3
*SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucester, Forest of Dean)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury how much money from British funds has been disbursed in relief up to the present moment by the Imperial Commissioner lately despatched to Newfoundland; and how many persons are employed under him on relief works?

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. SYDNEY BUXTON,) Tower Hamlets, Poplar

We have not yet received any report from Sir H. Murray as to the amount which has been disbursed on relief in Newfoundland. The only report we have so far received states that the Commissioner had started relief works on objects of permanent utility; that within two days men of all ages were coming in to work at a low wage in far greater numbers than he could employ at once, so that he was giving them work in turns. They were thus earning enough to keep their families from immediate want.