HC Deb 12 June 1934 vol 290 cc1528-30
31. Lieut.-Colonel TODD

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any illicit immigration is still going on in Palestine; what the numbers of illicit immigrants now are; and what steps are being taken to deal with this problem?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

The latest report available shows that during the three months, November, 1933, to January, 1934, the number of illicit settlers was estimated to average 300 a month, as compared with an average of about 1,000 a month during the first 10 months of 1933. The steps that are being taken to deal with this problem were explained in the reply to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for the Isle of Wight (Captain P. Macdonald) on 9th November last. I will send a copy of this reply to my hon. and gallant Friend.

Captain STRICKLAND

Is not this illicit immigration largely due to the Government's restriction of legal immigration, which is holding up housing, agricultural, and industrial development in that country?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

That is a series of complete mis-statements. It is not Government action which is responsible for illicit immigration. It is surely in the interests of everybody concerned that the immigration which comes into Palestine should be authorised immigration, so that every immigrant may come through the recognised channels as the most deserving and suitable.

Captain STRICKLAND

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that in Palestine, houses are awaiting workers and cannot be completed for want of labour?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I have dealt with this many times in the House, and it is not easy to do so in answer to a supplementary question; but I will say two things. First, in deciding the number of immigrants into Palestine, the High Commissioner must look to the general future of the country as well as to the immediate present. In the second place, over and over again he has said that if skilled workers of a particular class are available they will have particular consideration, but that you do not provide skilled workers for housing by offering a number of unskilled workers and other persons.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Are there not tens of thousands of people in this country wanting houses who cannot get them, never mind Palestine?