§ 25. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether Egyptian labourers are still being imported into Palestine for stevedore and similar work?
§ Dr. SHIELSYes, Sir. Egyptian labourers are still admitted to Palestine for temporary employment, but the Chief Immigration Officer does not grant permission for their entry unless he is satisfied that the labour is needed and cannot be found in Palestine. The prospective employers are placed under bond to secure the repatriation of such labourers as soon as the authorised period of stay, which is usually under three months, has expired. From the 1st January last some 285 foreign labourers have been admitted under this arrangement.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWhat becomes of the argument that there is no work in Palestine and that Jewish immigration certificates have had to be cancelled?
§ Mr. McSHANEIs my hon. Friend aware that for the first time in Palestine, owing to the introduction of such widespread Jewish immigration, there is actually unemployment in Palestine; and what is the purpose of introducing further people into it when already the land is afflicted by them?
§ Dr. SHIELSIt is my lot to hear many of these statements, but I pointed out in the answer that Egyptian labourers are only admitted for temporary employment and in cases where no Palestine labour is available. I think it will be obvious that every safeguard is taken in regard to this matter.
§ Mr. THORNEHas my hon. Friend been able to settle the quarrel which has been going on for a long time now between the Arabs and Jewish labourers as to who shall do this class of work?