§ 34. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will give assurances that the Palestinian railway from the canal to the frontier will not be handed over to other management without the House of Commons being consulted in the matter; and whether the Palestinian administration favours such a transfer?
§ Mr. AMERYI take the question to refer to the Sinai military railway, which lies outside Palestine territory though it is maintained and operated for the present by the Palestine railway administration on behalf of His Majesty's 1087 Government. I am not in a position to make a statement on the subject raised in the question.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODCan the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the Question, whether the Palestinian administration favour such a transfer?
§ Colonel WEDGWOODHas the right hon. Gentleman initiated these proposals from this side?
§ Colonel WEDGWOODThen are we to understand that there are no such proposals in being at present?
§ Mr. AMERYI am not aware of any proposals. Of course, the terms under which a railway is operated on Egyptian territory are a matter which both Governments can raise if they want to, but, as far as I am concerned, I am not initiating any proposals.