§ LORD CALVERLEYMy Lords, I beg leave to ask His Majesty's Government the question standing in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government whether newspaper reports are correct that part of the settlement of Makkovic, Labrador, was destroyed by fire on January 27; whether the native children's quarters were destroyed; whether any lives were lost and what steps have been taken by the Labrador Administration to relieve distress.]
§ THE LORD PRIVY SEAL (VISCOUNT ADDISON)My Lords, first reports of the fire at Makkovic in Labrador were apparently exaggerated. The fire destroyed the main building of the Moravian Mission Station, consisting of the living quarters, school, church and some small outhouses. Food stocks and other supplies, and the personal belongings of the missionaries and of thirty-six pupils, 103 were also lost. No damage was caused to the settlement, which consists of nine families, and there was no loss of life. The children who were at school at the Mission Station have now been sent to their homes elsewhere in Labrador. Immediately after the fire, food, clothing and medical supplies were flown from Goose Bay airport by the Canadian and United States Air Forces, whose ready help is much appreciated by the Newfoundland Government. Ample provisions of food and other essentials were later sent by dog-team from Hopedale. The Governor of Newfoundland has assured my right honourable friend that there is no distress at Makkovic.
§ LORD CALVERLEYMay I thank the noble Viscount for that very satisfactory reply?