HC Deb 30 May 1935 vol 302 cc1300-1
46. Captain PETER MACDONALD

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when the report of Sir Felix Pole on Palestine railway development will be available; and what steps will be taken to ensure that all new construction work involving the import of material will be available in the first place to British manufacturers?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I do not think the High Commissioner has yet actually received Sir Felix Pole's report, and no decision has been taken on the question of publication. Any materials which it may be found necessary to import in connection with railway development in Palestine will be ordered through the Crown Agents for the Colonies in accordance with the usual practice.

Mr. JANNER

In view of the public importance of the issues raised by this investigation, will the right hon. Gentleman say whether any copies of the report will be available for Members of Parliament?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

We had better see the report first.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Why should we put on the Holy Land an obsolescent system of railway transport when motor transport would be infinitely better developed in that country?