§ 8. Mr. Dayasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has any statistics showing the number of persons at present receiving relief in Newfoundland; and whether conditions there are improving?
Mr. M. MacDonaldThe returns for March, which are the latest available, show that the number of persons in New- 946 foundland in receipt of public relief that month was 80,016. The Governor informs me that the relief situation has since been eased in certain localities by increased industrial activity; and a substantial drop in the relief figures may be expected when the shore-fishing season opens at the end of this month.
§ Mr. DayCan the Minister say whether the condition of foreign markets in respect of the products of Newfoundland shows any improvement?
Mr. MacDonaldWe have been able to improve prospects in the Italian markets as the result of the agreement recently negotiated with the Italian Government, but in regard to other important European Governments, I am afraid there is no change in prospect as far as one can see.
§ Mr. Benjamin SmithDoes not the figure which the right hon. Gentleman quotes equal one-third of the total population of Newfoundland?
Mr. MacDonaldI should not like to give the exact fraction. It is a very considerable figure, but some thousands lower than the corresponding figure for the period before the commission of Government came into being.