§ 54. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the announcement recently made by the Lord President of the Council as to the change in land taxation which would relieve the new Jewish settlers in Palestine in fact only applies to 30 villages; how many of these villages are Jewish; and, if the reform is only projected, when is it expected to apply generally the taxation of land values in lieu of tithe?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREThe High Commissioner has now reported that the number of villages in which the experiment of tithe commutation is to be applied has been increased to 63 of which 22 are Jewish. As regards the last part of the question I cannot add to the reply I gave on 21st November to the hon. and gallant Member.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODAre we to understand that in these villages, tithe will no longer be collected on the produce?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREIt will be commuted for an agreed assessment on land.