HC Deb 26 July 1937 vol 326 cc2662-3
55. Colonel Wedgwood

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will give a list of the reforms in the administration of Palestine recommended by the Royal Commission which it is intended to implement shortly?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

In accordance with paragraph 6 of the Statement of Policy issued by His Majesty's Government, legislation to amend the Immigration Ordinance and to provide the High Commissioner with the necessary powers to control land transactions is now being prepared. Changes are being made in the organisation of the district administration, but I shall find it necessary to take the High Commissioner into consultation with regard to the other recommendations contained in the report of the Royal Commission, and the right hon. Gentleman will realise that the question of their adoption, with or without modification, must depend to some extent on financial considerations and, in many cases, on the outcome of the forthcoming examination of the Annual Report for 1936 and the Royal Commission's Report by the Permanent Mandates Commission of the League.

Colonel Wedgwood

Are we to understand that all the recommendations of the Royal Commission which were for a reform of the administration will be left over till partition has taken place and only those recommendations will be implemented which are inconvenient to the Jews?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

Certainly not.

Colonel Wedgwood

Which reforms are to be undertaken?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

It is quite impossible to say, as the Permanent Mandates Commission has asked for a special session to deal with the report for the year covering the disturbances and the conduct of the administration and as the Royal Commission's Report is before them. To adopt proposals with any finality until we have heard the views of the League of Nations as to the needs of the country that we are administering under Mandate would, I think, be flouting the League of Nations.

Colonel Wedgwood

As this is the last opportunity we shall get of asking the right hon. Gentleman questions before he commits us, may I ask him why in these circumstances—

Mr. Speaker

The right hon. and gallant Member may ask a question, but we cannot have a Debate.