§ 11. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the poorer citizens of the free city of Tel Aviv have been disfranchised after nine years of voting powers; why the powers of the municipal council have also been curtailed; who or what body was dissatisfied with labour rule in Tel Aviv, demanding this change; and whether he will ask the new high commissioner to inquire into the reasons for and justification of this action of the Palestinian Government?
§ Mr. AMERYThere has been no curtailment of the powers of the local Council of Tel Aviv, but only a reduction in numbers. Nor do I understand that the raising of the voting qualification, which is still at a very low figure, would disqualify any large proportion of the electorate. These changes have not been concerned with the political views of the Council, but have been necessitated, in the opinion of the High Commissioner, by the financial difficulties in which the Municipality became involved.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Labour Government in Tel Aviv for many years worked admirably with the District Commissioner, Mr. Campbell?
§ Mr. AMERYI believe that the relations were very happy, but the municipality became hopelessly bankrupt.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWas the bankruptcy of this municipality due to the poorer voters who have now been disfranchised, and will this question be reconsidered by the new High Commissioner, now that he is in Palestine, as it is giving rise to great dissatisfaction?