HC Deb 07 May 1934 vol 289 cc734-5
33. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what expenditure upon the Church of the Holy Sepulchre has been authorised; and what inquiry was made as to other sources from which the funds might have been obtained before the expenditure of public funds was authorised?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

It was ascertained that the ecclesiastical bodies concerned were unable at present to provide the necessary funds. Authority was therefore given for meeting provisionally from the funds of Palestine the cost of the survey, £750, and of emergency works, £2,500. As the matter brooked no delay, this was the obvious course to take, but, as I have already stated on more than one occasion, the question of the ultimate incidence of the cost will be a matter for discussion with the ecclesiastical authorities.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is any part of the cost coming on to the Palestine Loan, which is to be debated on Friday next?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

No, Sir, it is not.