HC Deb 24 May 1937 vol 324 cc15-6
26. Mr. Lunn

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has any information to give the House as to the position of affairs in Newfoundland?

Marquess of Hartington

There have been no developments of importance since the report of the Commission of Government for the year 1936, Cmd. 5425, was presented to Parliament last month. My right hon. Friend is in correspondence with the Governor with regard to proposals for a long-range policy of economic reconstruction in the Island, to be pursued in combination with measures of more immediate effect, and a statement on the matter will be included in the Budget speech which will be made in Newfoundland towards the end of next month.

Mr. Lunn

Have there not been communications from Newfoundland upon this subject, and have they not all been in the direction that the economic position of the people is considerably worse now than it has been at any time?

Marquess of Hartington

No; that would not be a correct statement of the position.

Mr. McEntee

Will the Budget speech to which the Noble Lord referred be made available for Members of the House of Commons?

Marquess of Hartington

I think I can give that undertaking.