§ Captain BOWYERasked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether the Crown Agents for the Colonies have in fact placed an order in Germany with a German firm for the construction of locomotives, wagons, etc., for the Palestine railways, or whether such action is contemplated; and, in either event, how this can be reconciled with the desire of the Government to provide the fullest measure of employment in this country, as so often expressed by the Prime Minister?
§ Lieut.-Colonel AMERYNo such order has been placed, but my attention had already been called to an unofficial report that the Palestine Administration were contemplating some such action, and I asked the High Commsisioner at once, by telegram, to let me know the facts. I would wish to reserve any comment on the report until I receive his reply.