HC Deb 20 June 1935 vol 303 c566
66. Mr. MAXTON (for Mr. McGOVERN)

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he can state the nature of recent disturbances in Newfoundland; and whether he proposes to take steps to re-establish parliamentary government with a view to providing an opportunity for the population to voice their grievances in a constitutional manner?

Mr. J. H. THOMAS

I gave the House the facts as to the demonstration on 10th May in a reply to the hon. Member for Don Valley (Mr. T. Williams) on 14th May. The demonstration had no bearing on the temporary constitutional changes authorised by the Newfoundland Act, 1933.

Mr. MAXTON

Was not that an expression of dissatisfaction on the part of the population against the conditions?

Mr. THOMAS

No, it was an expression by self-appointed leaders who wanted, themselves, to control the unemployment situation, but Sir John Hope Simpson gave them an interview and, having heard their views, refused their request and intimated to them that he was responsible and not they.