HC Deb 13 May 1936 vol 312 cc368-9
29. Mr. RANKIN

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many emigrants have left Great Britain for Palestine during each of the last five years; and what steps are being taken by his Department to ensure that a reasonable proportion of Jewish immigrants into Palestine are of British origin?

Mr. J. H. THOMAS

The figures are as follow:

Year Total.
1931 457
1932 443
1933 623
1934 817
1935 702
The conditions of admission laid down in the immigration law of Palestine make no discrimination between immigrants of different nationalities.

Mr. LOGAN

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether any of them came from Scotland or Liverpool?

Mr. THOMAS

I feel sure that those in Scotland or Liverpool are so satisfied where they are that they would not want to go.

Mr. DAVIDSON

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the numbers he has mentioned implement the promises made by the Government to the Jews?

Mr. THOMAS

My hon. Friend must keep clearly in mind that the position of Jews in other parts of the world is somewhat different from their position in this country.