§ 16. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can now make a further statement as to the alleged infringements of ancient religious rights and customs at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem; and, in particular, whether the adding of new courses of masonry to the top of the wall by the Moslem authorities has been stopped?
§ Mr. AMERYNo, Sir. I am not yet in a position to make a statement. The points at issue have been submitted to high legal authority, but the reply has not yet been received.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs not this a question of fact? I ask in the last part of the question, of which I gave long notice, whether the adding of new courses of masonry has been stopped?
§ Mr. AMERYI am not aware that new courses are being added. The question was whether a certain superstructure was or was not permissible.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYDid the right hon. Gentleman not admit, before Christmas, that new courses were being built and that he was taking legal advice?
§ Mr. AMERYNo, Sir. New courses had been, but I am not certain that they are or were being added to.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYSurely if legal advice is being taken, the status quo must be maintained in the meantime and the building must be stopped?