57. Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether consideration is being given to any alteration in the present Government of Newfoundland, and whether he can now lay down the conditions which must be satisfied before the democratic constitution is restored?
§ Sir T. InskipThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, but, as I explained in reply to the question asked by the hon. Member on 14th February, the best methods for keeping in touch with public opinion in Newfoundland are constantly under review by the Commission of Government. As regards the second part of the question, the conditions are set out in the first Section and the first Schedule of the Newfoundland Act, 1933.
Mr. Creech JonesIn view of the very slow progress of economic recovery, are we to assume that the democratic constitution is not likely to be restored for a considerable time?
§ Sir T. InskipI am glad to recognise that the hon. Gentleman said that progress is being made, even if it is slow progress. When Newfoundland is self-supporting, as the hon. Gentleman knows, the position will be different.
§ Mr. T. JohnstonHas the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been drawn to the recent revelations by Press commissioners who have visited Newfoundland as to the appalling poverty which is being allowed under the existing regime; and are the Government prepared to take some steps to alter that?
§ Sir T. InskipI am aware that there are serious conditions in Newfoundland and that the Government have given, and are giving, a great deal of assistance in order to remedy them.
§ Mr. JohnstonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that 70,000 citizens of this Empire are trying to live on 3d. a day; and what are the Government prepared to do?
§ Sir T. InskipIf such a statement has been made in the Press, I am not prepared to accept it as an accurate statement.
§ Mr. McGovernIt was the "Daily Express"—a Government newspaper.