HC Deb 26 November 1945 vol 416 cc897-9
77. Captain C. Smith

asked the Under- Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what is the number of holdings, full-time and part-time, respectively, which are likely to be established in Newfoundland by the end of 1946 under the reconstruction programme; and what further number it envisages.

Mr. Parker

It is estimated that 50 new full-time farm holdings and 50 part-time farm holdings will be established under the reconstruction programme by the end of 1946. The programme envisages the establishment of 500 further holdings.

Mr. J. Lewis

Does my hon. Friend agree that the reconstruction programme is likely to be affected by nutritional deficiency, the cause of which has not yet been discovered; and will he say what steps his Department is taking to deal with the matter?

Mr. Parker

We are having an inquiry made into the question of nutrition, and I hope to have a report in the near future.

78. Major Asterley Jones

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the total number of land settlements created in Newfoundland by the Commission Government up to 1st January, 1945; and the number of people living on them.

Mr. Parker

Nine land settlements have been created in Newfoundland by the Commission of Government up to 1st January, 1945. There were at that date 236 families, comprising approximately 1,150 persons, residing in these settlements.

79. Major A. Jones

asked the Under- Secretary of State for Dominion "Affairs how many part-time and full-time holdings have been created in Newfoundland by the Commission Government up to 1st January, 1945; and their respective acre age in cultivated and other land, respectively.

Mr. Parker

In the land settlement areas 251 part time holdings have been created and 1,535 acre of land cleared up to 1st January, 1945. Outside these areas Government tractors have cleared about 500 acres in extending some 340 holdings, most of which are part time. A further considerable quantity of land has been cleared as a result of the Government scheme under which a bonus in the form of live stock, seed and equipment is provided for land cleared and made ready for cultivation. Up to 1st January, 1945, bonus has been given in respect of 5,670 acres affecting 2,880 holdings.

Mr. Maxton

Do we conclude from the answers which the hon. Member has given that Newfoundland is prospering more under autocracy than it did under democracy?

Mr. Parker

It is certainly prospering at the present time very much more than was the case under the old form of government, and that is mainly due to war circumstances and the special circumstances of the present time.