§ LORD LAMINGTONasked His Majesty's Government whether, in view of the continued disorder in Palestine, they will not suspend, for the present, Zionist immigration which has been the chief cause of resentment; also whether they will give assurances to the Arabs that recommendations made by the Commission, if one is appointed, will be carefully and fully considered and, if possible, given effect to?
§ THE EARL OF PLYMOUTHQuestions relating to the general policy and administrative practice of Government with regard to immigration into Palestine are matters for consideration in the first place by the Royal Commission which will not undertake its inquiry until order has been restored, and as my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for the136WA Colonies stated in another place on the 19th June, His Majesty's Government can contemplate no change of policy until they have received and considered the Commission's Report.
As regards the suggestion, to which some publicity has recently been given, that immigration should be temporarily suspended during the period of the inquiry by the Royal Commission, I am not at present in a position to make any statement as to the intentions of His Majesty's Government.
As my right honourable friend also stated on the 19th June, His Majesty's Government will certainly consider with the utmost care, and will give all possible weight to, any recommendations by so authoritative a body as the proposed Royal Commission, but it will be appreciated that no Government, least of all a mandatory power with its special responsibilities to the League of Nations, can divest itself of the ultimate responsibility for decisions or undertake in advance to carry out proposals or recommendations which it has not seen.
The House adjourned at twelve minutes past five o'clock.