HC Deb 12 July 1938 vol 338 cc1127-9W
Mr. Creech Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has observed that in their annual report the Commission of Government of Newfoundland give the value to the fishermen of fisheries other than cod-fishing, but only give the gross value of the catch in the case of the cod-fishery, which is far more important; and whether he is in a position to give any estimate of the net return which the average fisherman engaged in cod-fishing receives in a year?

Lord Stanley

I have ascertained that the figures of value given in respect of the cod-fishery on pages 14 and 15 of the annual report of the Commission of Government for 1937 represent the estimated value to the fishermen, based on the average prices actually paid to them, and not the gross value of the catch.

As regards the second part of the question, the net average value to the individual fisherman necessarily varies from year to year and depends also on the branch of the cod-fishery in which he is engaged. I understand that in the year 1937 the estimated net average value to each fisherman ranged from $65 in the case of the in-shore fishery to $128 in the case of the Labrador fishery and $182 in the case of the Bank fishery. It will be appreciated that in a number of cases fishermen engage in both the inshore and the Labrador fishery.

Mr. Creech Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is satisfied that the Commission of Government of Newfoundland has found and is prosecuting a policy which will result in the economic rehabilitation of the island; and also whether he receives reports upon the ordinary administrative acts of the Commission?

Lord Stanley

The progress achieved in Newfoundland since 1934, in spite of disturbed trading conditions and continued difficulties in foreign markets, is itself evidence that the general policy of the Commission of Government has been on sound lines, and I have every confidence in the successful outcome of their work. As regards the second part of the question, the Governor is in constant correspondence with me on matters arising in the day-to-day conduct of the administration, and keeps me informed of all questions of importance concerning the work of the Commission.