59. Mr. David Adamsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a decision has now been taken as to permission to settle in Palestine the 182 refugees recently in quarantine in Haifa?
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)These illegal immigrants have been released, and deportation orders have been issued against them. The number of those who cannot eventually be deported will be deducted from the immigration quota.
§ Mr. DaltonIs any immigration quota being set up for the Arabs who have also illegally entered Palestine?
§ Mr. MacDonaldAs was stated in the White Paper, all illegal immigration will be prevented as far as it possibly can be.
§ Sir P. HarrisWhat will happen to these unfortunate people who have been turned away from Palestine? Will they go drifting round the world with nowhere to stay or live?
§ Mr. MacDonaldThat is another question. I was asked about the 182 who had succeeded in landing in Palestine, and I have answered that question.
§ Mr. Herbert MorrisonIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the White 2295 Paper it is set out that it is Jewish immigration that will be discounted to the extent of any illegal immigration into Palestine, and that in that connection there is no mention of Arab illegal immigration?
§ Mr. MacDonaldIt will clearly be unfair to the Jews to deduct from their immigration quota the number of illegal Arab immigrants. The question, as I understood it, was what was to happen with regard to illegal Arab immigration, and I answered that steps would be taken to prevent it equally with steps to prevent illegal immigration of Jews.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerIs Germany the only destination to which these Jews can go, and does the right hon. Gentleman intend to deport them there?