HC Deb 07 July 1943 vol 390 cc2071-2
16. Mr. Astor

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will see that the restoration and preservation of the Crusader castles of Palestine will have an equal priority with the excavations of prehistoric civilisations?

Colonel Stanley

I am in sympathy with my hon. Friend's intention and will consider it in consultation with the High Commissioner for Palestine to see what can be done after the war.

Mr. Hannah

Are we not prepared to collaborate with other countries in archæological work of this kind?

Mr. Stephen

Should not adequate housing be the first consideration?

Colonel Stanley

I think we must always give priority to the living rather than to the dead.

Major Petherick

Is there any necessity for these excavations to be continued now?

Colonel Stanley

I said I had no intention of doing the excavations now. I said "after the war."

Mr. Astor

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that the Crusader castles in Palestine are the biggest potential tourist attraction in the country and that they are rapidly crumbling, and will he bear that aspect of the matter in mind?