Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether recent reports from Newfoundland indicate any amelioration of the social and economic condition of this Dominion; whether any steps have been taken to associate the people of Newfoundland in a direct way with the work of the Commission Government; and what proportion of the cost of military defence and war organisation will fall on the people of Newfoundland?
§ Viscount CranborneThe latest returns of the number of persons in Newfoundland requiring public relief shows a substantial improvement of the position. In October the number of those in receipt of relief was approximately 19,000 as compared with approximately 60,000 in April. As to the second part of the Question, no new administrative machinery has been established, but the hon. Member will be aware that it is the constant aim of the Commission of Government to keep in close touch with local opinion. As to the third part of the Question, the cost of the purely local defence measures is a charge on the Newfoundland budget. The net provision for war services in the Estimates for the current financial year amounts to $630,770, out of an estimated total expenditure of about 15½ million dollars.