§ 28 Mr. Lunnasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is aware that thousands of children in Newfoundland are unable to attend school because they are without shoes and clothing fit to go in, and are also badly in need of food; and what is proposed to remedy this state of affairs?
The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (Lord Stanley)I have been in communication with the Governor with regard to the suggestion in the hon. Member's question, and I am glad to have the opportunity of informing the House of the facts. The Governor informs me 1099 that there is no question of 40,000 children failing to attend school in Newfoundland as has been stated in recent Press reports. According to the 1935 Census returns some 14,000 children of school age (six to 14) did not attend school in that year, but since then the numbers of children enrolled on the school registers have been substantially increased as a result of an energetic campaign on the part of the supervisors and teachers. In the cases of children not attending school the main factors contributing to nonattendance have been found to be the withdrawal of children at an early age, the distance to the nearest school, and in certain instances deficiency of school accommodation. The Governor also reports that only in a few cases has nonattendance been attributable to lack of shoes or clothing, and that prompt steps are always taken, whenever such cases are brought to notice, to supply the needs of the children affected. He adds that the Commission of Government have no evidence of children being prevented from attending school because of conditions of lack of nourishment.
§ Mr. LunnAm I to understand from the answer that the Press reports are absolutely unfounded and that everything in the island is lovely?
§ Sir Louis SmithAs the condition of a large portion of the population of Newfoundland is due to the depression in the fishing industry, will the Noble Lord consider sending someone from this country with an expert knowledge of the industry?