§ Mr. Windsorasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs, in view of the unsatisfactory conditions as regards employment among the fishermen of Newfoundland, what is the outlook in this respect for the forthcoming year?
Marquess of HartingtonIn a reply which my right hon. Friend gave on the 16th March he referred to the difficulties
1206Wrespectively, for each of the years 1931 to 1936?
§ Mr. ElliotThe following statement gives the information desired:
caused to the Newfoundland fishing industry by the loss first of the Italian and later of the Spanish markets owing to the situation in those countries, and stated that exports to Italy had recently been resumed as a result of the Commercial Agreement concluded with the Italian Government in November last. I am glad to say that, except in Spain, market prospects generally are now reported to be more promising. Progress is being made by the Newfoundland Fisheries Board with the introduction of improved methods both of production and marketing, and with a view to ensuring an increased return to the producer, the Newfoundland Government have lately remitted the duty on petrol used in the fisheries and have adopted a scheme under which fishermen will this year be provided with salt at a reduced price. In addition every effort is being made to encourage fishermen to pursue complementary occupations where this is possible.