HC Deb 10 December 1935 vol 307 cc704-6
3. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether any and what action has been taken as regards that part of the Newfoundland report which recommended the taxation of land values as the means of breaking up the large undeveloped concessions and providing small ownership?

Mr. HACKING

The question of the development of the forest resources of Newfoundland has been under constant and serious consideration since the establishment of the Commission of Government, and a number of measures have been taken to that end during the last 18 months. It has not, however, been thought expedient as yet to levy taxation on the lines recommended in the Report of the Royal Commission. It is hoped that the steps now being taken in Newfoundland for the development of its resources, particularly in forestry, and co-operation of the land-owners with the Government, may bring about the objects which the Royal Commission had in mind.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Has the idea of the taxation of land values in Newfoundland, in order to develop individual ownership, been scrapped, or is there still hope in that direction?

Mr. HACKING

It has not been scrapped, but the Commission of Government are obviously in the best position to consider this matter impartially. It is hoped that it will not be necessary for any representation to be made from this end.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that the Commission of Government have considered that particular section in the Report of the Commission, and have they turned it down, or have they postponed taking action?

Mr. HACKING

Oh, no, Sir; they have not turned down any proposal of the kind indicated. They have given consideration, and are still giving consideration to everything that may help to develop the resources of the country.

5. Mr. LUNN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has any statement to make on the present position of affairs in Newfoundland?

Mr. HACKING

Two Command Papers, No. 4788 and No. 4910, which were issued in January and May of this year respectively, outlined the steps which the Commission of Government are taking to deal with the economic situation in the Island. In July of this year a number of further reductions were made in the customs tariff with the object of relieving the poorer sections of the community, and, in this connection, special arrangements were made to lower the price of petrol to fishermen. Recently, there has, I am sorry to say, been a setback in economic recovery, owing partly to a poor fishing season and partly to difficulties in relation to external markets for fish. My right hon. Friend proposes to discuss the position in Newfoundland generally with some of the members of the Commission of Government who have just arrived in this country.

Mr. LUNN

When are the Commission likely to conclude their labours in Newfoundland, and when are we likely to have another report from them? Is it not more than six months since we had any information from the Commission upon what is happening in Newfoundland?

Mr. HACKING

I cannot say when the Commission are likely to conclude their operations. I hope that, as a result of the meeting which will take place shortly between my right hon. Friend and certain members of the Commission of Government, it may be possible to make some further statement.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Will the new right hon. Gentleman consider the point which was put before the old right hon. Gentleman when the loans legislation was going through Parliament, as to direct representation of Newfoundland in this Parliament, so that we may know something about it?

Mr. HACKING

I cannot make any statement on that subject at the present time.

Mr. PALING

Is it a fact that there has been a steep rise in the numbers of unemployed in Newfoundland this year as compared with last year, and has the right hon. Gentleman seen the paper that has been circulated to us lately stating that the workers of Newfoundland are the lowest-paid white workers in the American Continent?

Mr. HACKING

I have already referred to a certain setback that has taken place recently. It is difficult to deal with a setback of that character, which was purely economic, but I hope that there will be an improvement very shortly.