HC Deb 02 December 1941 vol 376 cc1017-8W
Mr. Muff

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what steps are being taken to alleviate the suffering and privation at present being borne by the natives living on the Labrador coast?

Mr. Shakespeare

I would assure the hon. Member that His Majesty's Government are fully aware of the situation to which his Question draws attention. The Governor of Newfoundland reports that the supplies were shipped to Labrador before the close of the navigation season and that these will be issued at the joint discretion of the local missionaries and members of the Newfoundland Ranger Force. The supplies include ammunition required for game purposes, and the Game Law has been relaxed in the special interests of the natives. Special supplies have also been sent for the child welfare clinics conducted by the missionaries. The local government officials have been fully authorised to deal with emergency conditions and are doing everything possible, in co-operation with the missionaries, to prevent and relieve distress.