§ Major NATHAN(by Private Notice) asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can give any information as to the recent occurrences in Palestine, and as to the present situation?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Lunn)I have 18 been asked to reply to this question. As the hon. and gallant Member is no doubt aware, official announcements appeared in the Press giving information from day to day as to the situation in Palestine, while the recent disturbances lasted. So far as concerns the actual events, I do not think that I can usefully add to the very full information given in those announcements. Recent reports state that the situation, from the military point of view, is quiet. In view of the appointment of a Commission to inquire into the immediate causes which led to the outbreak, and to make recommendations as to the steps necessary to avoid a recurrence, the Secretary of State would prefer that any general statement in regard to the situation in Palestine should be deferred for the present. The Commission have arrived in Palestine and started their inquiry immediately.
§ Mr. HARRISCan the hon. Gentleman say that an adequate number of troops is there now to meet any possible contingency?
§ Mr. LUNNI think I might safely say that that is the advice given to the Colonial Office—that there are adequate means to deal with any difficulty that may arise.
Earl WINTERTONCan the hon. Gentleman say whether it is anticipated that the Committee will report before Christmas, and whether there will be any opportunity to discuss this most serious matter before the House adjourns for the Christmas Recess?
§ Mr. LUNNIn view of the nature of the inquiry and the possibility of its length, it is impossible for me to say whether we may have a Report before Christmas. As to the latter part of the question, I should imagine it is well within the power of any hon. Member to raise the question when the Report is presented.
Earl WINTERTONI understand it is the wish of the Government that there should be no discussion until after the Report has appeared, and, in view of the importance of the matter, can the hon. Member give us any idea of when the Report is likely to appear?
§ Mr. LUNNI think it is quite impossible to say that in view of the fact that the inquiry only started a day or two ago.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWill the Under-Secretary say whether the sittings of this Commission will be held in public?
§ Mr. LUNNIn view of a report in the "Times" this morning, it would seem that a good deal of publicity has been given to the matter. As to whether the inquiry will be conducted in public or not I cannot say for the moment. I must have notice of that question.
§ Mr. FENNER BROCKWAYWill the hon. Gentleman consider the proposal that a conference should be called of representatives of the Arab and Jewish leaders with a view to reaching a settlement on these questions?
§ Mr. LUNNThat matter is receiving consideration at the present moment, but, in view of the inquiry which is now taking place, I suggest that it be deferred for the present.
§ Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEIn view of the fact that the general situation in Palestine is so serious, and that the scope of the inquiry is so limited, is it not desirable to have a general discussion on the future of Palestine and a statement from the Government quite irrespective of the findings of this Commission?
§ Mr. LUNNAs a matter of fact, the situation in Palestine is not so serious, and I would not like the House to imagine that the situation is serious; but, in view of the inquiry which is going on, in my opinion it would not be to the advantage of Palestine or to the advantage of this House that a discussion should take place now.