HC Deb 29 June 1937 vol 325 cc1768-9
6. Mr. H. G. Williams

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs when the Alberta Government first defaulted on its loans, and on what date representations were first made to the Canadian Government on the matter; and what replies have been received from the Canadian Government?

Mr. M. MacDonald

The Alberta Government first defaulted on its bonds on 1st April, 1936. The first occasion when representations were made to me on behalf of bond-holders in this country was in January of this year, on account of subsequent legislation passed by the Alberta Legislature, and I communicated these representations to the Dominion Government shortly afterwards. I have now received a reply from that Government, and hope to be able to discuss the matter in the near future with the Dominion Minister of Finance.

Mr. Williams

May I represent to my right hon. Friend in the strongest possible way that, so far as I am aware, this is the first default on the part of any British Government; and will he urge upon the Canadian Government the necessity of preserving the good reputation of the Dominion?

Mr. Thorne

Does not this indicate that the Green Shirt movement has absolutely failed?

Mr. McGovern

In view of this default, is it not necessary that we should have another war?

Mr. Stephen

Is it not rather due to the failure to apply the social services?

Mr. MacDonald

I should make a great mistake if I were to get involved in Albertan politics.