HC Deb 16 March 1936 vol 310 cc31-2
68. Mr. McGOVERN

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs when he proposes to ask this House to restore parliamentary government to Newfoundland?

The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)

No, Sir. I would remind the hon. Member that the address presented to His Majesty by the Legislative Council and House of Assembly of Newfoundland to which effect was given by the Newfoundland Act, 1933, prayed for the suspension of the then existing form of Government in Newfoundland until such time as the Island might become self-supporting again.

Mr. McGOVERN

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is intended that this financial dictatorship should be of a permanent character, and does he not think that the time has arrived to put an end to this Fascist attempt in Newfoundland?

Mr. MacDONALD

I think that I have answered both those supplementary questions in my answer.

Mr. MAXTON

Does the answer of the Minister mean that no progress has been made towards making Newfoundland financially self-supporting under the Commissioner's Government?

Mr. MacDONALD

On the contrary, the Commission is laying the foundation of her economic recovery.

Mr. MAXTON

Does the Minister mean to tell me that after three years of autocratic power there, they are only now laying the foundation of economic recovery?

Back to