HC Deb 05 December 1934 vol 295 cc1568-9
14. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Jews have actually been deported from Palestine during 1934 to the latest date available?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

During the period from 1st January to 25th November 627 Jews have been deported from Palestine, including 243 who were rejected at the frontiers.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Would it be possible for the right hon. Gentleman to obtain an estimate from the Palestinian Government of the cost of preventing people going into that country and of imprisoning them before deporting them, including the new naval service recently organised?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I think it would be quite impossible to give such an estimate, because very largely it would be within the ordinary department. But I am perfectly clear that the number which the High Commissioner thinks it right to admit to Palestine as economically possible is in the common interests of everyone. It is absolutely essention that those permitted to enter should come through the recognised channels and not come in illicitly.

Captain P. MACDONALD

In order to avoid the possibility of cost to which my right hon. Friend referred, will he take steps to see that the channels of immigration are closed up, so that these illicit immigrants shall not be allowed in?

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Will the right hon. Gentleman take no such steps whatever, and can he give the figures at the same time of the number of Arabs who have been deported?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

The number of people who are either deported or rejected is certainly not confined to the Jews, and, if my right hon. and gallant Friend will put down a question, I will try to get for him any figures he requires. I think my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for the Isle of Wight (Captain P. Macdonald) is speaking rather under a misapprehension. By the recognised channels, I mean the channels of permitted immigration under which the labour schedule is agreed as between the High Commissioner and the Jewish Agency, and the Jewish Agency distribute the certificates to authorised immigrants. It is frightfully important that the number of authorised immigrants should not be reduced, as it must be if illicit immigration goes on.

Captain MACDONALD

That is exactly my question. Is it not possible to tighten up the channels?