§ 63. Sir FRANK SANDERSONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in deciding to allow a loan of £4,500,000 to be raised for Palestine, His Majesty's Government have acted in consultation with any representative body of the inhabitants of the country; whether they have taken any measures to ascertain the opinion of the Arabs, on whom, as forming about 90 per cent, of the population, the chief burden of meeting the charges of the debt will fall; and whether they will inform the House as to how they intend to raise the annual charge required for interest and sinking fund?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREThe reply to the first and second parts of the question is in the negative. The House is aware of the circumstances in which the proposals of His Majesty's Government for the creation of a Legislative Council in Palestine led to no result. In the absence of such a Council, there is no body representative of Palestinians as El whole that could be consulted. With reference to the third part, it is hoped to meet the annual charges from the ordinary revenues of the country.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYDoes the hon. Gentleman know whether there will be another opportunity of continuing the Debate on this loan, which was cut short the other night?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI do not think that arises out of this question.