HC Deb 21 June 1920 vol 130 cc1734-6
33. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Prime Minister the terms of Sir Herbert Samuels appointment to Palestine and the salary allocated to the office?

43. Lieut.-Colonel CROFT

asked the Prime Minister whether the appointment of Sir H. Samuel as administrator of Palestine will involve any expense to the British taxpayers; and whether he will give an undertaking that no expenditure whatever in this connection shall be incurred without the sanction of Parliament?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Sir Herbert Samuel has been appointed High Commissioner in Palestine for the purpose of instituting a civil administration to replace the existing military administration. His salary has been been fixed at £E4,000 a year; the question of granting him in addition an allowance as frais de representation is still under consideration. These emoluments will be paid from the Palestinian revenues.

Mr. HOGGE

On what Vote will it be taken?

Mr. BONAR LAW

It will not appear on any Vote; it will be paid out of the Palestine revenues.

Mr. LAMBERT

Supposing that the Palestine revenues be not sufficient to pay it, will it fall upon the British taxpayer?

Mr. BONAR LAW

That is a supposition which I do not like to anticipate.

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

Is the right hon. Gentleman content to go out and rely upon his salary being paid out of the Palestine revenues?

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Cannot we have an opportunity of discussing Palestine affairs on the Foreign Office Vote, as in the case of Egypt?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Undoubtedly, if the House desire it.

Captain W. BENN

Are we to understand that the Mandate has already been settled for Palestine?

Mr. BONAR LAW

No.

Captain BENN

Then how can you appoint a Governor?

Mr. BONAR LAW

You must take preliminary steps to set up a civil administration. I should have thought that that was desirable from every point of view.

Mr. MALONE

Will a special Bill be laid before the House, as in the case of Naura?

61. Mr. PALMER

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he can state the estimated annual cost of the High Commissioner for Palestine and staff, and what sum or sums are to be spent in setting up the new regime in Palestine; will that cost fall upon the British taxpayer; and, if so, under what Vote will discussion be possible in this House?

Mr. BONAR LAW

It is not possible to give actual figures, as no decision has been arrived at as to the composition of the staff of the High Commissioner, but I hope that no part of the cost will fall upon the British taxpayer.