§ 23. Mr. Dayasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs particulars of the latest figures he has received of the number of persons receiving relief during the last winter in Newfoundland; and whether, according to his reports, the conditions for marketing codfish and other products in the foreign markets have recently shown any improvement?
Mr. M. MacdonaldThe total number of persons in Newfoundland, including women and children, in receipt of relief in March was 63,778, which is considerably lower than the figure for some years past. As regards the second part of the question, conditions for the marketing of codfish have been adversely affected for some time past by the civil war in Spain, which has led not only to a considerable reduction in exports to the Spanish market, but also to increased competition in other markets. The difficulties experienced on this account have 209 of late been further accentuated by the imposition in Brazil of new taxes on fish products which, although recently reduced in part, are still so high as to have a crippling effect on imports. Representations with a view to the further reduction of these taxes have been made to the Brazilian Government. As regards other products, the paper industry has shown a decline in recent months and the Paper Mills in the Island are at present working on part time. Activity in the mining industry continues unchecked, and both the iron-ore and the lead and zinc mines are working to capacity.