§ 13. Mr. BECKERasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if the Rutenburg concessionaires are developing the water power on the River Jordan, Palestine; is any electrical energy being produced by water power; are the internal combustion engines still supplying the energy for the electrical power; if the water power is not being developed, will he consider cancelling the concession given to Herr Rutenburg; and has he received any notification from the municipality of Jaffa protesting against the Palestine Government order compelling them to allow the Rutenburg Company to erect electric light standards in the streets?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. J. H. Thomas)I understand that the works required to enable electrical energy to be obtained from the water power of the Jordan will be commenced very shortly. The answer to the third part of the question is in the affirmative, and the answer to the second, fourth, and fifth parts in the negative.
§ Mr. BECKERWill the right hon. Gentleman see that pressure is brought to bear on the Rutenburg Company to place in this country all orders for water turbines or dynamos which may be required?
§ Mr. THOMASThe general policy of the Government in that connection is that I have taken many steps to ensure orders in this country, and I intend to follow that policy. But to commit oneself to that policy, regardless of any other consideration, would be to subject one to blackmail, and that I cannot allow.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability—I do not press for an I immediate answer—as the House has 12 heard nothing of this concession now for over 18 months, of calling for a full report on the mode in which it has been carried out?
§ Mr. THOMASCertainly, yes.
§ Captain WEDGWOOD BENNWas any action taken by the late Government to call for a report on this concession?
§ Mr. THOMASThat is a question which might equally be addressed to someone else.