HC Deb 20 July 1938 vol 338 cc2181-2
42. Mr. Mander

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any statement to make with reference to the announcement of Government policy made by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster at the Evian Conference on 15th July, to the effect that the restrictions on Jewish immigration into Palestine had been made with the object of maintaining the existing balance of population; and whether the test of economic absorptive capacity has now been abandoned?

Mr. M. MacDonald

The statement made by my Noble Friend at Evian was in full accord with the policy of His Majesty's Government as set out in my predecessor's despatch of 10th March, 1938. This despatch, which was published at the time in the proceedings of the House, gave a full explanation of the principles which have been adopted as a temporary measure for the control of immigration into Palestine during the present interim period.

Mr. Mander

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the policy of restricting Jewish immigration in order to maintain a balance is approved by the Mandates Commission?

Mr. MacDonald

The Mandates Commission inquired into this matter at their recent meeting, and they have approved the policy which is being pursued as an interim policy.

Mr. Mander

May we hope that there will soon be a resumption of the policy of economic absorption of Palestinians?

Mr. Lipson

When does my right hon. Friend expect that what he describes as the interim period will come to an end?

Mr. MacDonald

As soon as His Majesty's Government have been able to reach a final decision regarding policy in Palestine.