35. Captain A. EVANSasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has any news to disclose to the House in connection with the conditions obtaining in Newfoundland?
§ 36. Mr. LUNNasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has any statement to make on the position of affairs in Newfoundland?
The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)On reading the distressing account of conditions in Newfoundland, which appeared in a daily newspaper on the 17th April, I immediately telegraphed a summary to the Governor, who informed me in reply that the whole account was a tissue of exaggeration and misstatement bearing little relation to the true facts of the position. The Governor added that conditions in St. John's, which have shown a continuous improvement during the last year, are distinctly better than in any recent winter, that there is no unrest, and that the statements which I made on the 5th March, in reply to the hon. Member for Rothwell (Mr. Lunn) and the hon. Member for East Birkenhead (Mr. White), still accurately define the situation.
§ Mr. LUNNCan the right hon. Gentleman tell us when he is likely to have a report—either an interim or a final report—from the Commission on what is happening in Newfoundland?
Mr. THOMASI have had several interim reports. I promised to give the House the best report I could considering the short time in which the Commission has had to work, and I hope to submit such a report at an early date. It is only fair for me to say that we know the writer of this particular article; he was tried for misappropriation of funds in 1925.
§ Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMSMay I ask my right hon. Friend whether the Government are considering the possibility of legislation to deal with newspapers that publish false information?
§ Captain P. MACDONALDWill the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that publicity is given to his statement refuting the false allegations that have been made?
Mr. THOMASI cannot conceive any better opportunity of repudiating such malicious statements than that afforded by a statement on the Floor of the House.
§ Lieut.-Commander BOWERWill the "Daily Herald" repudiate them?