§ 13. Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make a statement with regard to the present position in Palestine and with regard to the Arab boycott?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Dr. Drummond Shiels)The situation has not materially changed since the hon. and gallant Member put a similar question to me some three weeks ago. I am happy to say that, apart from an isolated and unfortunate incident in the neighbourhood of Haifa which has been reported in the Press, the Easter season, which is always a difficult time in Palestine, passed off quietly. As regards the last part of the question, I am not in a position to add anything to my previous statement.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the tension is just about as bad as it can be, especially since the publication of the letter of the Prime Minister? What steps is the hon. Gentleman taking to bring about the necessary co-operation between the two communities?
§ Dr. SHIELSI note what the hon. and gallant Member has said, but, as I have already reminded him, we are constantly taking all the steps we possibly can take to bring about that desirable co-operation.
§ Mr. McSHANEWould it not be possible since the publication of the Prime Minister's letter to get both sides together to discuss this matter, in order to see whether an amicable arrangement cannot be arrived at?
§ Dr. SHIELSWe always keep that in view, and we shall be glad to arrange such a meeting whenever it is possible.
§ Mr. McSHANEWill the hon. Gentleman take steps to that end?
§ Dr. SHIELSWe have already done so.
§ 15. Mr. GRAHAM WHITEasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent licensed facilities for the sale of liquor in Palestine have been increased, and for what reason?
§ Dr. SHIELSThe Colonial Office has no detailed statistics of licences granted, but from the information available it does not appear that there has been an undue increase in the liquor trade in Palestine if allowance is made for the increase of the non-Moslem population; or that consumption is excessive. There has been a progressive increase of regulation by the Government, the last measure, passed early this year, being aimed at the restriction of sales on credit.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYHas this increase been rendered necessary by the new colony named after the right hon. Member for Carnarvon Boroughs (Mr. Lloyd George)?
§ Mr. WHITEMay we assume from the reply that the increase is apparently due to better methods of registration rather than to an actual increase?
§ Dr. SHIELSPartly due to that, and partly due also to an increase in population.