§ 56. Mr. McAdamasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the estimated cost, per month, to the Palestine Government of maintaining the Jewish refugee camps in Cyprus; and who will be responsible for meeting that cost when the present Government in Palestine ceases to function.
Mr. McNeilThe estimated monthly cost of the camps, during the past five months, is £150,000. His Majesty's Government regard expenditure on these camps as a responsibility of the Government of Palestine, and this liability will have to be taken into account in winding up the affairs of the Palestine Government.
§ Mr. McAdamDoes that mean that the British Government will take over the responsibility at present discharged by the Palestine Government?
Mr. McNeilI am not sure that I understand my hon. Friend. It does mean that His Majesty's Government will see that what is due to them is paid.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanCan the right hon. Gentleman enlighten us a little further about these people in Cyprus, 973 which is a part of the British Empire, I understand? Will the Palestine Government, which will not be a government within the British Empire, have any authority in Cyprus, or will these people be quickly shipped back to Palestine?
Mr. McNeilThese illegal immigrants have been steadily shipped from Cyprus to Palestine, and that operation is continuing.
§ 57. Mr. McAdamasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of Jewish illegal emigrants to Palestine now detained in Cyprus.