§ 26. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in connection with the new Palestinian constitution, whether he will give an estimate of the number of persons likely to be enfranchised as primary electors, and the proportion borne by their number to the population of Palestine?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe details of the new electoral system proposed for Palestine are still under discussion, and I cannot give accurate figures at the present stage. The proposal is to enfranchise all male Palestinians of the age of 25 years and over, unless otherwise disqualified. Assuming there to be 300,000 males of all ages in Palestine, it may perhaps be estimated that about half that number would be entitled to a primary vote.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODAre we to understand there is no educational test in this case?
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs there any question of giving the women a vote?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThings must be done gradually in regard to the Holy Land.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs there any educational test?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo, Sir. I do not think there is for the primary election.