§ 23. Mr. Stephenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the estimate of revenue of the Palestine Administration last year; the amount of surplus over the estimate; and how it is proposed to use the surplus?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreThe Palestine financial year runs from 1st April to 31st March. The estimated revenue for the 1166 nine months' period 1st April to 31st December, 1936, was £4,547,915. The approximate statement of actual revenue for the same period is £3,212,176, being £1,335,739 below the estimate. No later figures are yet available. The nominal accumulated surplus balance of Palestine at 31st December last was £6,372,658. The question of its use will be considered, in conjunction with the estimates for the year 1937–38, when the general financial position of Palestine can be comprehensively reviewed, but in view of the heavy increase in expenditure on defence and security in Palestine it will be difficult to make any precise determinations.