§ Mr. T. Williamsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information to give the House as to the position of affairs in Palestine?
§ Sir P. Harrisasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the position in Palestine; and what immediate prospect there is of the proposed Commission visiting that country?
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§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreThere is not much that I can add to my previous statements on the subject of Palestine. Outbreaks of terrorism and violence continue. The constant pressure of the military and police has been maintained and there have been several successful encounters with armed bands, notably the operations in Galilee towards the end of December, the result of which was the dispersal of the bands in that district. The economic and financial situation in the country gives rise to anxiety, and there has been an increase in unemployment more particularly at Haifa and Tel Aviv. With regard to the last part of the question of the hon. Member for South-West Bethnal Green, I hope shortly to be in a position to make a statement regarding the personnel and visit to Palestine of the proposed technical Commission.