§ 3. Mr. MAXTONasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether the Commission under the chairmanship of Lord Amulree appointed to investigate the financial affairs of Newfoundland has yet made its Report; and if he is now able to state the Government's policy for meeting the difficulties in Newfoundland?
Mr. J. H. THOMASThe reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. Pending the issue of the Report, which I hope will be available in the autumn, it is not possible for me to make any statement as to the policy of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom in the matter.
§ Mr. MAXTONI hope that the Government are not going to delay the appearance of this Report until the 1652 autumn. Why is this being done? Is Lord Amulree still wandering in the wilds of Newfoundland?
Mr. THOMASNo. In fairness not only to Lord Amulree but to all the members of the delegation, it should be said that they undertook a very delicate and difficult task, and showed considerable public spirit in doing so, and that the importance of the Report is such that it requires very careful consideration. I cannot issue the Commission's Report without due consideration.
§ Mr. MAXTONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that five months have already elapsed, that this matter is urgent, that the House has already voted £500,000 and that no one knows how much more will have to be voted before the matter is finished?
§ Mr. GRAHAM WHITEMay we assume that this Report will be published and laid before Parliament in the ordinary way?