HC Deb 17 May 1939 vol 347 cc1401-2
53. Mr. David Adams

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in spite of terrorist activities in Palestine, the economic progress of the country has continued; and will he state the relative rise or fall in the imports and exports of the country?

The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)

Disturbed conditions in Palestine adversely affected trade and industry generally in 1938. External trade declined both in volume and in value. Imports fell between 1937 and 1938 from £P15½ million to £11¼, and exports from £P5¾ million to £P5 million, in spite of an expansion in the production of potash and of shipments of citrus fruit.

Mr. T. Williams

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House how many Arabs the High Commissioner and his staff are having to deal with in Jerusalem as the result of the destruction of their economy?

Mr. MacDonald

I should like notice of that question.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Would it be true to say that the Arabs have been far more hit economically than the Jews by the recent troubles in these territories?

Mr. MacDonald

I should not care to give an estimate of comparison without notice. I am afraid both sections of the population have been very bady hit by these troubles.

Mr. Kirkwood

Arising out of that Reply—

Mr. Speaker

There are 95 questions on the Order Paper, and we shall not get on with the questions at all if so many supplementary questions are asked.