§ 39. Mr. WHITEasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if any report has been received from Sir John Hope Simpson in reference to the suspended certificates of immigration into Palestine?
§ Dr. SHIELSThe answer is in the negative.
§ 45. Mr. MARCUSasked the Prime Minister if the Government proposes to grant facilities for a debate on the report of the Palestine Commission of Inquiry before the end of this Session; and, if so, whether a whole parliamentary day will be provided for this purpose?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)As my hon. Friend is aware, the state of public business is such that it is difficult to find time for a debate of this kind. If, however, it was desired, the most convenient arrangement would be for the debate to be taken on one of the remaining Supply days to be arranged through the usual channels.
§ Mr. W. J. BROWNIn the event of it not being found possible to have a debate before the Recess, will the Prime Minister consider suspending the decision not to allow further Jewish immigration into Palestine in the meantime?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat question has been answered by the Department concerned. We are governed by the condition that until we have the report of Sir John Hope Simpson we must hold our hand as far as we possibly can.
§ Mr. McSHANEWill the Prime Minister assure us that the debate will not take place until the McMahon correspondence has been published, as promised by the hon. Member?
§ 31. Captain CAZALETasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Egyptian labourers have been admitted into Palestine since the Jewish labour certificates were suspended on 14th May?
§ Dr. SHIELSI regret that I am not in a position to give the desired information, but I will ask for a report.
§ Captain CAZALETDoes the hon. Gentleman imply that he is aware that a certain number of Egyptian labourers have gone into Palestine in the last few months?
§ Dr. SHIELSYes; I have already explained that a certain number have been admitted under very strict limitations. They are not to remain for more than three months and are not admitted if other labour is available.
§ 32. Captain CAZALETasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether there has been any influx of Arab labour from Transjordan during the past month; and whether there is any control over their employment after having entered Palestine?
§ Dr. SHIELSI am not in a position to make any statement on this subject, except that I am not aware of any such influx.