§ 67. Mr. GILLETTasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is proposed to continue to charge the cost of maintenance of the military (including Air Force) units stationed in Palestine on Imperial funds or whether it is intended that this expense shall be borne by the Government of Palestine?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREYes, Sir; the cost of the Imperial units stationed in Palestine and Trans-Jordan, name one squadron Royal Air Force and one armoured car company, will continue for the present to be borne on Imperial funds.
§ Mr. GILLETTIs it not a fact that there was a surplus on the finances of Palestine last year? Why could this expense not be borne by Palestine?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREPalestine pays for the whole of its own local forces. It does not pay for these imperial forces, which are part of our Royal Air Force, and, therefore, under the control of this House rather than under the control of the Palestine Government.