§ 21. Mr. Maxtonasked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether any further loans, free of interest, have been received in this country from Newfoundland in recent months; and whether he can state the total amount received in this way from this source during the period of the war.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Dominions Affairs (Mr. Emrys-Evans)A further interest-free loan of 2½ million dollars was received from the Newfoundland Government last months. In all a total sum of 10,300,000 dollars has now been generously contributed in this way from Newfoundland for the furtherance of the war effort. The loans are returnable at short notice and they should provide a useful reserve for post-war reconstruction in Newfoundland.
§ Mr. MaxtonAre they loans from the people of Newfoundland or from the Commission of Government?
§ Mr. Emrys-EvansThey are from the people, collected by the Commission of Government.
§ Mr. MaxtonAre they interest-free loans as between the people of Newfoundland and the Commission of Government or as between the Commission of Government and the Government of Great Britain?
§ Mr. Emrys-EvansI do not think that the Commission of Government can be separated from the people of Newfoundland.
§ Mr. MaxtonIs the money raised by the Commission of Government from the people, as individuals, or is it saved out of the revenue and transferred here?
§ Mr. Emrys-EvansIt comes from the taxpayers but I should have notice of the hon. Member's Question.
§ Mr. MaxtonIs the Commission of Government handing it over without consulting the people of Newfoundland?