HC Deb 06 July 1937 vol 326 c163
26. Mr. Creech Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is able now to announce the proposals of the long-term programme for the economic and social reconstruction of Newfoundland as submitted to him by the Commissioners of that Dominion; and whether such proposals have now been approved by him?

Mr. M. MacDonald

An outline of the proposals for a long-range programme of economic reconstruction in Newfoundland, which have been approved in principle, will be included in the Budget speech which is to be made in Newfoundland on 13th July. I will arrange for printed copies of the speech to be placed in the Library of the House as soon after that date as possible.

Mr. Creech Jones

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the increasing confusion and increasing discontent about this matter; and will he give attention to the need for some reconsideration of the question with a view to seeing that local opinion will have some means of expression?

Mr. MacDonald

I do not think that either confusion or discontent is increasing. As regards consulting local opinion on matters concerned with Government and administration, it is the practice—the growing practice—of the Commission to consult local opinion on all sorts of special problems.

Mr. Lunn

May we know whether this speech which is to be made on Budget day in Newfoundland has the approval of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom?

Mr. MacDonald

The principles of the policy have been approved.

Mr. Creech Jones

Will the right hon. Gentleman say by whom the speech will be made?