§ 1. Mr. DAVID GRENFELLasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether any report has been received of the economic situation in Newfoundland; whether the Commission has presented any schemes for the development of the resources of the Dominion; and whether he can cause such information to be supplied to the House?
The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)I have not yet received from the Commission of Government any general report on the economic situation in Newfoundland, but I am asking the Governor to furnish me with such a report at a convenient opportunity. The Commission of Government has already made considerable progress with development schemes in Newfoundland and. Labrador, and authority has recently been given for special development expenditure of $1,300,000 to be financed by long-term loans from the Colonial Development 152 Fund. This expenditure will be devoted to the building of fishing vessels for purchase by fishermen on an instalment plan, to road construction with a view to facilitating agricultural settlement, and to the development of the harbour at Port-au-Basques, the railway terminus on the West Coast.
§ Mr. GRENFELLWill the right hon. Gentleman assist the House by publishing in a White Paper as many of these details as he can, and give an opportunity to discuss the question before the House adjourns?
Mr. THOMASI will endeavour to do so, because I know how interested hon. Members are, and this rather indicates that development is going on. I shall be delighted to give the House all the information I can.