Newfoundland.

Oral Answers to Questions — Coal Industry. – in the House of Commons at on 1 February 1938.

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Photo of Mr William Lunn Mr William Lunn , Rothwell

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has any information to give the House as to the position of affairs in Newfoundland?

Mr. MacDonald:

I am glad to say that the general improvement in economic conditions in Newfoundand to which I referred in my answer on 21st October has been maintained. Employment, especially in the mining and logging industries, has been active in most parts of the Island, and the total number on relief in each month from August to December has been little over half that for the corresponding months of 1936. Although difficulties are still being experienced in finding markets for salt fish at remunerative prices, the price realised on the herring catch is satisfactory. Revenue for the half-year ended 31st December showed an expansion under all heads.

Photo of Mr William Lunn Mr William Lunn , Rothwell

Is more being done in Newfoundland in order to establish co-operation between the industries and the workpeople, and is anything being done to establish some form of local government in Newfoundland in addition to the Commission of Government?

Mr. MacDonald:

If the hon. Member will put questions on these specific points, I will give him more adequate answers than I can without notice.

Photo of Mr William Lunn Mr William Lunn , Rothwell

I am anticipating that the Commission of Government will continue, but is it likely to continue, and are the people never to have a form of representative government in Newfoundland?

Mr. MacDonald:

There is no present prospect of the Commission of Government coming to an end; it is little beyond the beginning of its work.