§ 33. Mr. HOGGEasked the Prime Minister the terms of Sir Herbert Samuels appointment to Palestine and the salary allocated to the office?
§ 43. Lieut.-Colonel CROFTasked 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 LAWSir 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 1735 addition an allowance as frais de representation is still under consideration. These emoluments will be paid from the Palestinian revenues.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIt will not appear on any Vote; it will be paid out of the Palestine revenues.
§ Mr. LAMBERTSupposing that the Palestine revenues be not sufficient to pay it, will it fall upon the British taxpayer?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThat is a supposition which I do not like to anticipate.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSIs the right hon. Gentleman content to go out and rely upon his salary being paid out of the Palestine revenues?
§ Colonel WEDGWOODCannot we have an opportunity of discussing Palestine affairs on the Foreign Office Vote, as in the case of Egypt?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWUndoubtedly, if the House desire it.
§ Captain W. BENNAre we to understand that the Mandate has already been settled for Palestine?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWNo.
§ Captain BENNThen how can you appoint a Governor?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWYou must take preliminary steps to set up a civil administration. I should have thought that that was desirable from every point of view.
61. Mr. PALMERasked 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 LAWIt is not possible to give actual figures, as no decision has been arrived at as to the composition of 1736 the staff of the High Commissioner, but I hope that no part of the cost will fall upon the British taxpayer.