HC Deb 22 February 1933 vol 274 cc1729-30
38. Mr. LUNN

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether steps have now been taken for the appointment of a commission to inquire into the financial situation in Newfoundland?

The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)

Yes, Sir. His Majesty has been pleased to appoint the following to be a Royal Commission for the purpose of examining into the future of Newfoundland and in particular of reporting on the financial situation and prospects therein:

  • The Rt. Hon. Lord Amulree, G.B.E., K.C. (Chairman),
  • Mr. C. A. Magrath, L.L.D. (nominated by His Majesty's Government in Canada),
  • Sir William Stavert, K.B.E. (nominated by His Majesty's Government in Newfoundland), with
  • Mr. P. A. Clutterbuck, M.C., Dominions Office, as Secretary.
The Royal Commission will assemble in Newfoundland early in March, and it is the intention that it should complete its inquiries in time to enable decisions to be reached and appropriate arrangements to be made before the debt interest due on the 1st July, 1933, matures.

Mr. MAXTON

Can the right hon. Gentleman say which of these gentlemen represents the Bank of England?

Mr. THOMAS

None of them.

Mr. MAXTON

How will the Bank like that?

Mr. THOMAS

The Bank, I am sure, will appreciate my hon. Friend's interest in their affairs.

Captain P. MACDONALD

Can the right hon. Gentleman gives the Terms of Reference of the Commission?

Mr. THOMAS

I have already read them in the answer I have given.