HC Deb 22 November 1938 vol 341 cc1505-6
6. Mr. Bracken

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs when His Majesty's Government intend to make proposals to restore Dominion status to Newfoundland?

The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)

The Address from the Newfoundland Legislature, to which effect was given by the Newfoundland Act, 1933, asked for the suspension of the then existing form of government until such time as the island might become self-supporting again. I fear that the island cannot be expected to be self-supporting for some considerable time to come. It would be premature, therefore, to consider the change suggested by my hon. Friend.

Mr. Maxton

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the islanders are more nearly self-supporting now than they were when self-government was taken away from them?

Mr. MacDonald

At the moment the trade depression and the going back of some of the most important markets have had a serious effect on the revenues of the country. At the moment conditions are rather bad.

Mr. Creech Jones

Is it proposed that some advisory machinery should be created for maintaining a liaison between the population on the one side and the Commission Government on the other? Are there any means allowed for collecting public opinion?

Mr. MacDonald

The Commission are very careful to keep a liaison with a number of bodies as well as individuals in the island.

Mr. Bracken

Would the Minister tell us what would really happen to the British Empire if economic misfortunes deprived the people of self-governing rights?

Mr. MacDonald

The changes that have taken place in Newfoundland have been at the request of the people of Newfoundland itself.

Mr. Lunn

Will the right hon. Gentleman say how many times he has had requests for their democratic rights to be restored to the people?

Mr. MacDonald

Not without notice, but I have not had many requests from official bodies or individuals.

Mr. Lunn

You have had them, have you not?

Mr. MacDonald

Some, but only a few.

Captain Arthur Evans

When may the House expect another report from the Commissioners to be laid on the Table?

Mr. MacDonald

The annual report will be circulated in May.

Forward to