HC Deb 07 April 1927 vol 204 cc2260-1
63. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the recommendations of the majority of the Palestine Average Tithe Committee have been accepted; and whether the change will be in operation for the year 1927–8?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

The question is still under consideration by the High Commissioner for Palestine. The Majority and Minority Reports of the Committee were published in Palestine at the end of January with a view to obtaining expressions of public opinion on the recommendations made therein before any decision is taken in the matter. Pending the receipt of definite recommendations from Lord Plumer I am unable to say what decision will be taken on the Reports or when any change that may be made in the system of tithe assessment will take effect.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the importance for agriculture in Palestine that a decision should be come to which would be applicable to the present year?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

Of course, there are various seasonal crops. It is most important that we should have an expression of public opinion on these two reports before we come to a final decision.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is not eight years enough to get information about public opinion?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

The two Reports were only published at the end of January, It is important that between those two Reports we should have an expression of public opinion.

64. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether orange plantations are at present exempted from the payment of the tithe in Palestine; and what proportion the tithe on oranges bears to the whole tithe of the country?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, I regret that exact figures are not available, but a calculation based on the average crops for the past six years and the average redemption prices for the past four years of all products subject to tithe indicates that the yield of tithe on oranges and lemons, which are classed together, has been less than 10 per cent. of the revenue from all tithes.