§ 30. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what expenditure has been incurred in connection with Mr. French's report on Palestine settlement; how the cost will be met; and will further expense be avoided until Parliament and the Treasury have approved the raising of a loan?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERPending approval by His Majesty's Government of any scheme for development or settlement in Palestine, the expenditure will, apart from the salaries of the Director of Development and his staff, be confined to such preliminary investigation as may be necessary to enable Mr. French to formulate his proposals. Such expenditure is being met, in the first instance, from the general revenue of Palestine. I will inquire of the High Commissioner the total sums expended in connection with the Development Department since the appointment of the Director in the summer of 1931, and I will communicate 839 with the right hon. and gallant Member when I have his reply.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that if the loan is not raised—and there is no prospect of it at present—all this money that has been spent on the inquiry will be wasted?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERNo. I am not sure that I accept either of those statements.