HC Deb 26 May 1937 vol 324 cc262-3
20. Mr. Mander

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the new labour schedule for Palestine for the four months April to July permits only 770 immigrants, about one-fifteenth of the number asked for and a large reduction on last year; and to what extent the reasons for this restriction were political rather than economic?

22. Mr. David Adams

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of immigrants to be permitted into Palestine under the new labour schedule published this month; and whether, as the Jewish Agency ask for an immigration of 11,250, a substantial reduction below this figure indicates any change of policy on the part of the Government?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

The High Commissioner for Palestine has authorised a Labour Immigration Schedule of 770 for the four months April to July. There has been no change of policy, and in fixing the schedule at this figure the High Commissioner has been guided solely by the usual criteria by which he assesses the economic absorptive capacity of the country.

Mr. Mander

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Jewish Agency have accepted this schedule, and if they have not done so, whether they have given any reasons?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I have seen only a newspaper report that they have not accepted it.

Colonel Wedgwood

Is this restriction on immigration merely in pursuit of a policy which the right hon. Gentleman admits has failed?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

No, this is a strict carrying out of the MacDonald letter of 1930 and the policy laid down by the then Labour Government.

Mr. David Adams

Has the Minister any opinions why there is this substantial reduction?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

Certainly no opinions; it is clearly laid down in the MacDonald letter of 1930 that each six months it is the responsibility of the High Commissioner to fix the number admitted under the schedule.

Colonel Wedgwood

As the High Commissioner's policy has failed, how much longer are we to continue?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

rose—

Mr. Speaker

We cannot pursue this matter now.

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

May I answer that question?

Mr. Speaker

It does not arise out of the question on the Paper.