HC Deb 14 July 1937 vol 326 cc1244-5
40. Mr. T. Williams

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received any communication concerning the Petah Tiqva (Rural Council Order), 1937; and, if so, has he any statement to make to the House?

48. Mr. Creech Jones

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give the reasons for the imposition of new qualifications for the municipal voting register at Petah Tiqva, in Palestine; why the age has been raised from 21 to 25; why each voter must own a minimum of 10 dunums of land for three years before qualifying; why co-operative farms are granted only one vote for each 100 dunums of land; and whether he will consider the cancellation of this order issued under Section 2 of the Local Councils Ordinance?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

On 18th June, arising out of a question by the hon. Member for Don Valley (Mr. T. Williams), I addressed a despatch to the High Commissioner for Palestine asking for a report on this matter. I have not yet received a reply, but I have no doubt that I shall hear very shortly.

Mr. Williams

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether when the reply is forthcoming and he has examined it, he has power to amend the Order if he feels so disposed?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

Yes, I can do so.

Mr. Macquisten

In view of the fact that it appears that the farmers there have a vote in accordance with the amount of land they possess, could they be given a vote in accordance with the number of cows they have, as is done by the Milk Board in Scotland?