§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the cost of the reconstruction of the telegraphic and telephonic system in Palestine; and what, if anything, has the Palestine Government paid for it?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am unable to give figures as to the cost of reconstruction. The whole system with a few minor exceptions was handed over by the military authorities to the Palestine Government on the 1st of October, 1920. The value of the works so transferred has been provisionally agreed between the two parties at £30,000; and this amount or the revised amount finally determined will be treated as part of the capital debt of Palestine to His Majesty's Government.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the cost of the water supply to Jerusalem laid on by the British Army; who now runs it; and whether Palestine has paid anything towards its cost?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am unable to state the exact cost of the Jerusalem water supply. It has, however, been valued for disposal purposes at £48,545 by the expert valuer to whom I referred in my reply to the hon. Baronet's question regarding the Palestine railways. These works are now maintained by the Palestine Government, who propose to transfer them at an early date to the municipality of Jerusalem. The amount referred to above will be treated as part of the capital debt payable by Palestine to His Majesty's Government.