§ 26. Captain Viscount CURZONasked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to establish a national home for the Jews in Palestine; if so, whether, before such a decision was arrived at, the cost of such an undertaking received consideration; what is the direct cost to this country of such a policy to-day; and whether, in all the circumstances, this policy can be reconsidered in the interest of economy?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThis question should be addressed to me. The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The policy of the Government, as the House is aware, was laid down in the letter addressed to Lord Rothschild in November, 1917, by my right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council. The question of the grounds that led to the adoption of that policy is not one that can be dealt with by question and answer. I am not prepared to reconsider the policy that has been adopted. As regards the cost to this country, I would refer the Noble Lord to the Estimates submitted to the House.
§ Viscount CURZONIs it not a fact that no fewer than 69 per cent. of the Zionists going into Palestine come from Russia or Poland, and why have we got to pay for them?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is pure repetition. We had an answer giving the percentages of admissions only a day or two ago.