§ 64. Mr. T. Williamsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when the plans for the new drainage scheme for Tel Aviv, in Palestine, were first submitted to the Palestine Government; and whether he can arrange that this scheme is given approval in some form at the earliest possible opportunity, in order to ensure the health of the large population concerned?
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)The consulting engineers' plans for the drainage scheme were submitted to the Palestine Government in March last. Further progress depends on the completion of satisfactory arrangements for financing the scheme which is a matter of some difficulty at the present time.
§ Mr. WilliamsWill the Minister be good enough to answer the first part of the question, which is when the plans for the new drainage scheme for Tel Aviv, in Palestine, were first submitted to the Palestine Government.
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreIn the spring.
§ Mr. WilliamsThe spring of which year?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreThis year.
§ 65. Mr. Williamsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give the assurance that all possible assistance is being given by the Government of Palestine to the municipality of Tel Aviv in raising the projected loan of £1,000,000; and whether full consideration has been given to the small debt of this city in relation to its annual revenue of approximately £500, 000?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreEvery endeavour is being made to assist the municipality of Tel Aviv in connection with the projected loan. The amount of the municipality's existing debt has not, of course, been overlooked.
§ Mr. WilliamsIs the Minister not aware of the terrific danger to 130,000 persons due to the absence of any drainage scheme?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreI agree with the hon. Gentleman, but he will realise that negotiations are proceeding at the moment for a loan, and that it is not a very easy matter.