MR. GIBSON BOWLESI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether, inasmuch as the Governor stated at the closing of the Newfoundland Legislature on the 19th July that no legislation had been asked for or enacted regarding the modus vivendi which expires this year, he has considered the situation which will arise in the absence of any Act of the Newfoundland Legislative enforcing the modus vivendi, and whether Her Majesty's Government propose in the absence of any such Act to take themselves, and without the assent of the colony, any coercive measures to enforce it upon the colonists; whether Her Majesty's Government have communicated or propose to communicate to the Government of Newfoundland the Report of the Royal Commission; and, if not, on what grounds; and whether he proposes before Parliament separates to make any statement with reference to the questions pending between France and this country in regard to Newfoundland.
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINThe whole question of the fishery on the so-called Treaty Shore of Newfoundland is under the consideration of the Government in connection with the Report of the Royal Commission. I may observe that there will be time to obtain the necessary colonial legislation before the commencement of the next fishing season. The Report has not yet been communicated to the Government of Newfoundland. I do not expect to be in a position to make any statement before the close of the session.