§ 83. Mr. Sharpasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent the owners of ships endeavouring to take illegal immigrants to Palestine have borne the cost of diverting their passengers elsewhere; and what action is now being taken to recover such costs.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsIt is not practicable to recover such costs, except through the forfeiture of the ships. Proceedings to that end are taken whenever possible.
§ 86. Wing-Commander Hulbertasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state the cost to the British Exchequer of the employment of three troopships and their escorts for conveying Palestinian illegal immigrants, from the date of embarkation to their arrival in Hamburg.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsThe cost of the troopships is borne by the Government of Palestine and not by the British Exchequer. Questions regarding the cost of the naval escorts should properly be addressed to my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty.