HC Deb 02 May 1939 vol 346 cc1674-5
21. Mr. Lyons

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will indicate the various scales of relief now in operation in Newfoundland; the basis for the allocation in each case; and the number of persons on relief at the latest known date?

Sir T. Inskip

Relief in Newfoundland is granted in kind and is intended to provide those in need with means of supplementing the natural resources, such as fish, poultry, fuel and home-grown produce which are available to the people in most parts of the island. The great majority of Newfoundlanders own their own houses and have no rent to pay. In St. John's, the cost per head of the relief rations issued ranges from 6.40 dollars a month in the case of a family of three to an average cost of 4 dollars a month in the case of members of larger familiies. In the country districts the average cost per head is approximately 2 dollars a month, apart from the free distribution of vegtables and fuel in certain districts where this is necessary. In addition, milk or cocoa is supplied daily to 722 schools with an attendance of 27,000 schoolchildren. Special issues of clothing are made to widows, orphans, the aged and the destitute sick. The present scales represent substantial increases since the Commission of Government assumed office, and the Commission have also improved both the range and the nutritional value of the rations given. The number of persons, including women and children, in receipt of relief in March was approximately 80,700, compared with 63,800 in March, 1938, and 80,000 in March, 1937.

Mr. Lyons

In view of the conditions which existed last winter, may I ask what steps are being taken to increase the wage-earning capacity of the people of Newfoundland?

Sir T. Inskip

I am afraid that it would not be possible to give a detailed answer to that question at this moment, but I shall be happy to inform my hon. and learned Friend if he cares to see me.

Mr. Lunn

Why is this important information now given in regard to relief and the number on relief not given in the report issued last week?

Sir T. Inskip

The report is not my report, but is the report of the Commission.

Mr. N. Maclean

Why is the information to be given to the hon. and learned Member who asked the question and not to the House of Commons, to whom it is also a matter of great interest?

Sir T. Inskip

I shall be very glad to give the information to the House on any suitable occasion, or to the hon. Gentleman himself.

Mr. G. Griffiths

Were these men able to buy their own houses out of the relief that was paid to them?