20. Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Palestinian Government has considered again its policy in regard to financial participation in the maintenance of the health institutions organised by the sick fund, Kupat Holin, of the General Federation of Jewish Labour; and why the Palestinian Government refuses to receive a delegation from this body to discuss the working of the health arrangements and some amendment of the Government's existing policy in respect of social insurance and mutual aid institutions.
§ Colonel StanleyI assume that my hon. Friend is referring to correspondence which the Director of the Sick Fund (Kupat Cholim) had with the Chief Secretary, Palestine, last year about the responsibility of Government towards the health of workers. In his reply of 5th August, the Chief Secretary drew attention to an address by the Palestine Reconstruction Commissioner which acknowledged that it was the duty of the State to provide at least some measure of social security for its citizens, but explained that the matter required detailed study. The Director of the Sick Fund was invited to get in touch with the Reconstruction Commissioner for this purpose, but the organisation have so far not availed themselves of the opportunity to do so.
Mr. Creech JonesIs the Minister aware that representations have been made for a full discussion with the authorities in Palestine on the whole of this problem but, so far, the organisations concerned have not been able to get agreement with the Government that such a deputation shall be received?
§ Colonel StanleyHere is an invitation as long ago as last August for this party to visit the Reconstruction Commissioner, who is the man chiefly concerned, but so far they have not availed themselves of the opportunity.