1. Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether His Majesty's Government have given consideration to the early introduction in Newfoundland of some measure of responsible government?
§ The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (Mr. Eden)The position remains as explained to the hon. Member in the replies given to him by my predecessor on 14th February and 28th March last, to which I have at present nothing to add.
Mr. Creech JonesIn view of the continued economic depression and the recent expressions of loyalty by the inhabitants of Newfoundland, is it not possible to create some machinery of an advisory character?
§ Mr. EdenThe hon. Member may be assured that I have all those considerations in mind. He will also recollect that this situation arose because of the economic situation, which is not yet better, and that what was done was done at the request of the Newfoundland legislature itself.
§ Mr. LunnWill the right hon. Gentleman say what is the attitude of the people of Newfoundland to the restoration of representative government?
§ Mr. EdenThe hon. Member knows better than I that the original action was taken at the request of the Newfoundland legislature.
§ Mr. McGovernWould it not be a splendid gesture to restore Parliamentary government in Newfoundland, and show Hider, by leaflet, that while he is taking Parliamentary government away we are beginning to extend it again?
§ Mr. EdenI am sure that the hon. Member will notice with appreciation the excellent response of Newfoundland and its generous offer of recruits.