§ 24. Mr. GRAHAM WHITEasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will make a statement with regard to the state of employment and the condition of the unemployed in Newfoundland?
Mr. J. H. THOMASOn reading the reports which recently appeared in certain newspapers I immediately telegraphed to the acting Governor to ascertain the facts, and I am now informed by him that the reports are greatly exaggerated, and that there has been no disorder and no hostile demonstration. The acting Governor informs me that the unemployment situation in Newfoundland, though it continues to be serious, shows a substantial improvement on the corresponding period of the previous year. Each of the six months July to December, 1934, has shown on an average a reduction of 17,000 in the number of persons in receipt of relief as compared with the figures for the corresponding months in 1933. The number for last December was 53,191 as compared with 71,172 in the previous year.
§ Mr. WHITEWill the right hon. Gentleman adopt any method that may be available for making these facts known in view of the alarming and distressing reports which appear to be exaggerated?
Mr. THOMASThese alarming reports have appeared, as far as I can judge, in one newspaper alone, and I hope the facts that are now given will prevent that newspaper reiterating them.
§ Mr. MAXTONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, apart from newspapers in this country, the Newfoundland 1740 newspapers are very disturbing in their opinions on the matter and would he, having regard to the promise made during the passage of the Bill, provide an early date for the discussion of the whole position in Newfoundland?
Mr. THOMASOn any Vote that can be arranged I should not only welcome it, but I think it would be a good thing to explain the facts. With regard to the newspapers, and certainly newspapers in Newfoundland, I prefer to reserve that until the Debate takes place.
§ 26. Mr. LUNNasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is aware of the protest being made in Newfoundland regarding the treatment of the unemployed and their dependants; that the unemployed are receiving less than 4d. per day, and their wives and dependants are suffering from under-nourishment; and whether he will have immediate inquiries made into the matter and call for a Report from the Commission?
Mr. THOMASI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I have just given the hon. Member for Birkenhead East (Mr. White). I have received this morning from the Acting Governor a telegram dealing specially with the points raised in the question. With the permission of the House I will circulate the text with the OFFICIAL REPORT. This telegram will, I am confident, reassure the hon. Member and the House generally that the Commission of Government in Newfoundland are doing everything possible to ameliorate the condition of the unemployed in the Island, and have already achieved considerable results.
§ Mr. LUNNHas the right hon. Gentleman had an interim report, and when does he expect that the Commission will make a further report?
Mr. THOMASWhen I saw the Press report, which I frankly admit was most distressing, without regard to the possibility of questions being asked, I immediately telephoned to Newfoundland, and in the reply which will be circulated there will be a full communication on the whole situation from those responsible.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs it true that the unemployed in Newfoundland are receiving less than 4d. a day?
Mr. THOMASIn the reply that is being circulated—[An HON. MEMBER: "Why not read it?"] The House generally resents the reading of a long reply. The reply itself will give a full report by those on the spot. I did not want to be drawn into a discussion as to 3½d. or 4d. I want the House to appreciate the full facts from those on the spot.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIs it not customary on an important matter, particularly when a question is asked from the front Opposition bench, to ask permission to read the reply?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI would remind the hon. Member that there are 64 questions on the paper. Other Members have a right to have their questions answered.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODI put a simple question. Is it less or more than 4d. a day that is being paid to the unemployed? Surely the right hon. Gentleman can answer that?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI do not pretend to answer questions.
§ Following is the telegram:
§ TELEGRAM from the Officer Administering the Government of Newfoundland to the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs. Dated 4th March, 1935.
§ Public Health Department during the last nine months has greatly amplified relief measures on behalf of destitutes of the country generally. In St. John's and at outside points food relief 25 per cent. greater than heretofore. Articles supplied represent great improvement in standard of living hitherto maintained. In some sections of St. John's relief full distribution double the quantity given before. Public Health Department doctors and nurses treat all sick poor and special food supplies are issued for this class where prescribed by professional staffs. Child Welfare Associations supplied by Department with milk for under-nourished children of the poor. Department distribute bread and milk to pupils every school day. General distribution of soup made to destitute of the city every weekday. Child mortality in city higher than normal for February due to epidemic of influenza superimposed on the previous outbreak of measles and whooping cough and some considerable number of cases of scarlet fever. Child mortality of independent section of population as great in proportion as among the section on relief. General and marked improvement noted in this respect in all sections during the last week and no child deaths at all reported in the city since the beginning of March. Department also financing St. John's outposts in the distribution of clothing for the three destitute classes namely, widows and orphans, aged and in 1742 firm, and sick. Outside relief operations show much greater liberality towards the poor than ever before in Newfoundland. Physician retained on salary for treatment of sick poor: Nurse stationed among the destitute living in scattered and isolated section and these undertakings limited only by qualified material available for the purpose. Food supplies on relief account increased and amplified by special distribution of vegetables in sections where agriculture not possible. General mortality in Newfoundland not one per cent. higher than that of Great Britain. Please note that during February only seven deaths occurred among children of families on relief in St. John's with a population of 44,000 and with 4,500 persons on relief.