HC Deb 24 July 1934 vol 292 cc1629-30
9. Mr. LUNN

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether the commission now in Newfoundland have in any way recommended reorganisation of the financial or industrial concerns in the Dominion; what is the nature of such recommendations; and whether any report of their work is available for Members of this House?

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

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and the second part does not therefore arise. As regards the third part of the question, as stated in my reply to the hon. Member for Gower (Mr. D. Grenfell) on 10th July, I have asked the Governor to furnish me at a convenient opportunity with a general report on the economic situation in the island, and I shall be glad to lay this report before the House.

Mr. LUNN

As I understood the right hon. Gentleman to say, in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Gower (Mr.D. Grenfell), that he proposed laying the report shortly, I should like to know whether he has got such a report; and, as this matter is to be raised on the Adjournment Motion next Tuesday, can he give us some information before that time regarding the work of the commission?

Mr. THOMAS

I do not know anything about the Debate on Tuesday next, but I want to assure my hon. Friend and the House that, as he heard from me last week, the Government have contributed a, large 'sum of money towards development, and my information at the moment is that it is bearing fruit. I have asked for an immediate report. If I get the report before Tuesday, I shall certainly circulate it, because this is an important question, and I want the House to have all the information which I get upon it. I would remind my hon. Friend, however, that I cannot answer any question upon it until I get the report from the commission.