HC Deb 11 December 1929 vol 233 cc446-7
34. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what arrangements are being made to compensate Jews in Palestine for loss of life and property in the recent riots?

Dr. SHIELS

Claims for compensation are being considered; and in approved cases advances on account of compensation can be made. I will place in the Library of the House a copy of a notice issued by the Palestine Government on the subject.

Captain BENNETT

Will this compensation have to be paid by the British taxpayers?

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Can the Under-Secretary state against whom the claims for compensation will be made?

Colonel HOWARD - BURY

Will similar compensation be given in respect of the four Christians and the 83 Arabs who also lost their lives?

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not arise.

Dr. SHIELS

I would like to point out that the terms of the notice are framed so that claims can be made irrespective of the race or religion of the claimants.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether it will not be the people who committed the outrages who will have to pay the compensation?

Dr. SHIELS

I would like to have notice of that question.

Captain CROOKSHANK

Is the British taxpayer going to pay the compensation or not?

Dr. SHIELS

I must ask for notice of that question.

Sir PHILIP CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I understand that a general notice has been sent out inviting people to make claims for compensation, and yet the hon. Gentleman is unable to say who is going to pay the compensation.

Dr. SHIELS

I am unable to answer that question without notice. These are matters which I cannot deal with offhand.