20. Mr. J. J. DAVIDSONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any action is contemplated to amend the constitution of the projected Legislative Council in Palestine?
Mr. DAVIDSONDoes the right hon. Gentleman consider that the Legislative Council, on which there is a minority of 1364 the Jewish people, is in any way implementing the promise that was made to the Jewish people for a. national home?
Mr. THOMASYes. No-one would challenge the Legislative Council as being contrary to the Mandate. As far back as 1922, when Sir Herbert Samuel was High Commissioner, he himself made a proposal for a Legislative Council which, at that period, was accepted by the Jewish community and refused by the Arabs.
§ Mr. SHINWELLAre the relative positions of the parties in the Legislative Council in accordance, with Sir Herbert Samuel's view of the situation and the Mandate itself?
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIn view of the fact that municipal authority, particularly in the Arab areas, has gone back since 1925, ought there not to be a greater development of municipal government to qualify the people for democratic institutions?
Mr. THOMASIt is very difficult, as I am sure my hon. Friend will agree, to cast reflections upon democracy, whether it be Arab or Jewish. I do not think that experience of the recent Municipal Council would bear the interpretation that the people are unqualified for municipal purposes.
§ Captain STRICKLANDHas the right hon. Gentleman considered the declared opinion of the Arabs not to regard Palestine as the national home for the Jews, and has he considered that the placing of this—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a separate question.