§ 27. Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Collective Punishment Ordinance has now been put into effect at Safed and other places in Palestine; that this ordinance has been 406 given a retrospective effect and has caused hardship and injustice to the Arabs; and will he take steps to have this ordinance repealed?
§ Dr. SHIELSThe Collective Punishment Ordinance was applied with the Secretary of State's approval to Safed and other districts of Palestine as a measure necessary on account of acts of violence which occurred during the disturbances of last year. My Noble Friend is not prepared to take any action in the matter.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYIs the hon. Member aware that there is no occasion whatever for retrospective effect being given to this ordinance, that it is creating very great hardship and unrest in Palestine, and can he not put an end to it?
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYIs not this punishment inflicted for very foul murders on helpless women and children?