HC Deb 16 March 1949 vol 462 cc2101-2
36. Mr. John Foster

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the inadequacy of the compensation to be given to the victims of the anti-Jewish riots in Aden in December, 1947, in which over 75 Jews were killed and much Jewish property destroyed, he will take steps to increase such compensation, which is only a fraction of the compensation recommended by the special magistrate in his report.

38. Mr. Janner

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will see that the claims of the individual victims of the anti-Jewish riots in Aden are justly met, and also provide far the rebuilding and re-equipment of the schools and synagogues which were partially or completely destroyed, the disuse of which has contributed to preventing the Jewish community from returning to normal life.

Mr. Rees-Williams

In view of the findings of the Commission of Inquiry into the disturbances, the Government of Aden has not accepted liability to pay compensation, but is providing financial assistance for rehabilitation based on a combination of grants and loans. This scheme of assistance represents the most that the Colony can undertake. Offers of financial assistance have been made by the Aden Government for the rebuilding of the Jewish boys' and girls' schools, subject to the production of plans and estimates by the local Jewish emergency committee; but these have not yet been submitted, neither has any application been made for the grants provisionaly offered. The Government of Aden has not made any special provision for the rebuilding and re-equipment of synagogues.

Mr. Foster

Was not the special magistrate appointed to recommend the amount of compensation to be available for these victims, and why has his report not been carried out?

Mr. Rees-Williams

My recollection was that he was appointed to investigate the general circumstances and the amount of damage that had been caused.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Will not the assistance offered by the Government of Aden greatly exceed anything offered or given by the Jewish authorities to compensate for the loss of British lives and the destruction of British property in Palestine?

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