HC Deb 15 November 1917 vol 99 cc573-4
70. Mr. OUTHWAITE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that the activities of Lord Northcliffe in Canada have led M. Bourassa, the Nationalist leader, to describe him as a brigand, he will state on what grounds the practice of nonintervention in the affairs of a self-governing Dominion have been departed from?

Mr. MACMASTER

Before the hon. Member puts this question, may I ask whether there is the slightest basis in fact for the suggestion that Lord Northcliffe interfered in any way with the fullest rights and privileges of self-government in Canada; and, further, whether the. Leader of the House proposes to assume responsibility for the epithets that may be used in the Canadian general election?

Mr. OUTHWAITE

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that question I should like to say—

Mr. SPEAKER

We had better have the answer first.

Mr. BONAR LAW

My answer also deals with the supplementary question. I do not know what the hon. Member means by intervention. Lord Northcliffe visited Canada on the invitation of the Canadian Prime Minister, and I know that his visit was most useful and that it was appreciated by the Dominion Government.

Mr. OUTHWAITE

Does not the fact that the activities in Canada of Lord Northcliffe lead the Leader of the French Canadian party to describe him as a brigand, as reported in the "Daily Mail" itself, show that his activities have been interfering with the internal affairs of a. self-governing Dominion?

Mr. BONAR LAW

No; I do not think it proves that. I have not seen the statement referred to, and I do not think that any thorough observer would be justified in drawing such an inference.

Mr. OUTHWAITE

Does the right hon. Gentleman accept the description of Lord Northcliffe as a brigand given by M. Bourassa?

General CROFT

Is it not the fact that M. Bourassa is not the Leader of the French Canadians and does not represent Canadian sentiment any more than the hon. Member?

Mr. PRINGLE

Is it not a fact that he supported the present Government during the last election?