§ 22. Captain Peter Macdonaldasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether his attention has been called to the official declaration of Mr. Semple, the Minister of Public Works in the New Zealand Government, on 22nd February last, that steps must be taken to ensure the reduction of dividends from national enterprises; and whether, in view of the large amounts of British money invested in New Zealand securities, he will ascertain whether this statement reflects the view of the New Zealand Government as a whole?
§ The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (Sir Thomas Inskip)I understand that, on the date mentioned by my hon. and gallant Friend, Mr. Semple was 1674 speaking in reply to a deputation which had come to see him regarding the condition of a local road in New Zealand. I am informed that he did not make the statement mentioned in the question. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.
§ Captain MacdonaldCan my right hon. Friend say whether the statement attributed to Mr. Semple, as published in the newspapers of the Dominion, is an authentic report of the speech; and is my right hon. Friend aware of the anxiety that is felt by shareholders in New Zealand securities owing to the attitude of the New Zealand Government at the present time?
§ Sir T. InskipI am not sure what newspaper report my hon. and gallant Friend has seen, but I have made inquiries direct, and am informed that the facts are as I have stated.
§ Mr. DaltonIs it not a frequent occurrence that statements made by Labour Ministers in New Zealand are misrepresented?
§ Sir T. InskipObviously, that is not a question which I am in a position to answer.
§ Mr. E. SmithWould the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the present New Zealand Government is more loyal to the British people's interests that most other Governments?