HC Deb 05 October 1938 vol 339 cc326-8
33. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what methods are used by the governing Commission in Newfoundland to keep in touch with local opinion, and what measures are being taken to restore representative government to the people of Newfoundland?

Mr. MacDonald

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Shipley (Mr. Creech Jones) on 10th May, to which I have nothing to add.

Mr. Gallacher

Is it not time that actual steps were taken to restore the democratic rights of the Newfoundland people and to allow them to make an effort, at any rate, to rebuild their economy?

Mr. MacDonald

That point is covered in the previous answer to which I have referred.

34. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, in view of the fact that over 25 per cent of the population in Newfoundland are in receipt of Government relief of six cents a day or ten cents a week for children, steps are being taken to restore the economic life of the country?

Mr. MacDonald

The maximum number of persons in receipt of relief at any one time during the present year has never reached 25 per cent. of the population of Newfoundland: and our latest information is that in July it stood at about 14 per cent. The value of relief varies, but is generally higher than is suggested by the hon. Member, and particulars regarding this were given in an answer to a question by the hon. Member for Central Southwark (Mr. Day) on 19th July. It is the constant aim of the Commission of Government to improve the economic conditions of the island; and there is no doubt that substantial progress has been made, in spite of difficulties over which the Commission have no control.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister aware that my latest information is likely to be more reliable than his, and if I send it to him will he give the matter serious consideration?

35. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what statistics are available of the incidence of tuberculosis and similar diseases in Newfoundland now and at the time of the appointment of the governing Commission?

Mr. MacDonald

Figures of the death rate from tuberculosis in Newfoundland over a period of years from 1925 were given in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Kidderminster (Sir J. Wardlaw-Milne) on 13th April last year. A recent survey which has been carried out suggests that the incidence of tuberculosis in the island is about 6,600 cases per 100,000 of the population. The problem is one which is engaging the serious attention of the Newfoundland Government and steps have been taken recently to enlarge the tuberculosis sanatorium and to inaugurate special measures to control and prevent the spread of this disease.

Mr. Gallacher

While it is desirable to have the sanatorium increased in order to deal with the disease, would it not be much better to make a real effort to restore the economy and the democratic institutions and to allow these people to get a real opportunity of freeing themselves from the disease?

Mr. Lunn

Is not the general health of the community of Newfoundland seriously affected by the poverty of the people?

Mr. MacDonald

Yes, Sir, and part of the policy of the Provisional Government has been to improve nutrition in the islands so that health would also improve.