§ Dr. Segalasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the tonnage of corvettes and merchant shipping, respectively, now at the disposal of the Palestine Government for the interception of the unauthorised entry of Jewish immigrants.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsI would refer the hon. Member to the reply to his Question on this subject on 30th July. The number of ships then available for the transfer of illegal immigrants from Palestine to Cyprus has now been reduced by one ex-corvette of 1,300 gross registered tons.
§ Mr. T. Reidasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what has been the cost of maintaining illegal immigrants in Cyprus up to date; who bears the expense; and whether any part of the cost has been recovered from those responsible for the attempted immigration.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsThe approximate cost to date of building the camps in Cyprus and of maintaining the illegal immigrants is £2¼ million. The cost is met by the Government of Palestine. As regards the latter part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Spen Valley (Mr. Sharp) on 29th October.