§ 18. Mr. Dayasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether the discussion he has had with the Governor of Newfoundland concerning the conditions that exist in the island, substantiate and confirm the report of the Commission of Government for the calendar year 1938; and can he give particulars of what steps the Government now propose to take to relieve the present conditions?
§ The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (Sir Thomas Inskip)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The report for 1938 will, I hope, be presented to Parliament at an early date. As regards the second part, the programme of the Commission of Government for the coming season has not yet been finally settled, but it is expected to provide for a substantial extension of their reconstruction plans, as well as for certain special short-term measures designed to assist the fishing industry and to add to the volume of employment.
§ Sir T. InskipThe Press reports to which I understand the hon. Gentleman refers do not deal with the whole position. As far as I know, the information which they contain is substantially correct, but it does not include the whole of the facts.
§ Mr. LyonsIn point of fact, have the conditions in Newfoundland become worse this year, or have they improved at all?
§ Sir T. InskipThe condition of things in the winter of 1938–39 was worse than in the preceding winter.
§ Mr. GallacherIn the reconstruction programme, will the Minister not give serious consideration to the reconstruction of democratic rule in Newfoundland?