HC Deb 13 March 1940 vol 358 cc1193-4
69. Sir A. Knox

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he proposes to deduct the number of illegal immigrants known to have entered Palestine between 1st September, 1939, and 31st March, 1940, as well as the balance carried over from previous quota periods from the maximum forthcoming quota for 1st April till 30th September, 1940?

Mr. M. MacDonald

I am at present in consultation with the High Commissioner regarding the issue of a quota for the forthcoming six months, and I am not at the moment in a position to give details of how this quota, if any, will be calculated. But the provision in the White Paper for the deduction of illegal immigrants who cannot be deported from the numbers of legal immigrants will, of course, be applied.

70. Sir A. Knox

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Jewish population of Palestine in September, 1939, recorded as 428,895, includes the 40,000 illegal Jewish immigrants, the 17,900 travellers who remained in the country beyond the authorised limit, and also illegal immigrants captured on board ship by the police?

Mr. MacDonald

The information at my disposal does not indicate how the figure cited by my hon. and gallant Friend was calculated. I am asking the High Commissioner for a report.

Commander Locker-Lampson

May I ask whether most of the young illegal immigrants have volunteered to serve against Germany, and are they not worth having on that basis?