§ 29. Captain Stricklandasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the date by which it is hoped to complete the road between Jaffa and Haifa; and whether, in view of the great importance of this road as a means of safe travel, its construction will be speeded up?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreI fully appreciate the advantages of an early completion of the Jaffa-Haifa road, and considerable progress in its construction has already been made. The rate of further progress must necessarily depend on the general financial position of Palestine and the other competing claims of other urgent services upon Palestine Government funds.
§ Captain StricklandSeeing that on 10th December, 1935, it was announced that 18 miles had been completed, and on 10th February that the acceleration of the building of the road was receiving consideration, can my right hon. Friend now inform the House how many miles have been completed up to date?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreI should require notice of that question; no doubt I could find the information. As my hon. and gallant Friend knows, however, since that time there has been very serious trouble in Palestine, and both labour and money have had to be devoted to security services.
§ Mr. Pethick-LawrenceCan the right hon. Gentleman assure us that this road, which, after all, has been under construction for a very considerable time, will be proceeded with with all possible celerity?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreIn view of the condition of Palestine, I must give priority to defence expenditure.