HC Deb 17 March 1948 vol 448 cc2096-7
69. Mr. Thomas Reid

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he will make a statement regarding the conferences about the future constitution of Newfoundland and in this connection what proposals have been put forward by Canada regarding suggestions that Newfoundland and Labrador should enter the Canadian Federation.

The Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (Mr. Gordon-Walker)

In reply to the first part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for West Leicester (Mr. Janner) on 15th March. In reply to the second part of the Question, the terms of the offer made by the Canadian Government for the entry of Newfoundland into a confederation with Canada have already been placed in the Library of the House.

Mr. Reid

Can my hon. Friend tell us when the people of Newfoundland will make up their minds to resume self-government either as part of Canada or as a Dominion?

Mr. Gordon-Walker

I cannot state the date. They have to decide that question now. The terms of the referendum have been fixed and the date for holding the referendum will now be fixed. I do not know exactly when it will be, but it will be in the near future.