§ 53. Sir JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Lord Privy Seal whether the Mandate for Palestine comes before the League of Nations this week; and when and in what manner he proposes to submit it to this House for approval?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINIt is hoped that the Mandate will come before the Council of the League of Nations this week. I am not yet in a position to make any statement as to the occasion on which it could best be discussed in this House.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSAs we are getting very near the date of the meeting of the League of Nations, can the right hon. Gentleman say when the matter will definitely come before the House for consideration and approval?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINIf there be a real desire on the part of the House to discuss it, I think it is obviously a matter which the House ought to have an opportunity of discussing. The Government would not object to the House discussing 358 such a matter. I do not feel that it is necessary as a matter of form, as a matter of routine, to submit it formally to the House. If there is a desire to discuss it, there must be some opportunity found, but what that opportunity will be, and when it will arise, I cannot say at the present time.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYAs this Mandate means the expenditure of great sums of money, ought it not as a matter of routine to come before the House, and ought not the approval of the House to be asked?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI think that assumption is not correct. The adoption of the Mandate will rather lessen our expenditure than increase it.
§ Lieut. Commander KENWORTHYThere will he some expenditure arising.
§ Mr. SPEAKERIf there is, it must go on the Estimates. Therefore it will have to come up.