HC Deb 25 April 1934 vol 288 cc1698-9
14. Mr. RANKIN

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can now make any further statement as to the steps which will be taken to prevent the falling into ruin of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I cannot at present add anything to the reply given to the Member for East Willesden (Mr. D. G. Somerville) on the 31st January, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.

Lord APSLEY

Is the right hon. Gentleman taking any special measures to protect the Holy Sepulchre, including the tomb and famous church?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I understand that measures are to be put in hand that will protect the whole of the Church.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is British money, or Palestinian money, being used for this purpose?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

Certainly there is no charge upon the British taxpayer. At the present time no money, I think, is being expended. An expert is making reports as to what can be done.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that it is not fair to take the money of Jews and Moslems in order to rebuild a Christian Church?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I must deprecate statements of that kind. This is a great world memorial, and it is obviously in the interests of the country in which it is situated that it should be maintained.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is it not a fact that the other day the Patriarch of the Holy Sepulchre was raising funds by selling titles, and can he not get money in a better way?