§ Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the settled determination evinced by the German Government to eliminate the Jews from Germany and in view of the persecutions to which these people are now subject throughout the East of Europe, he will review the question of allowing Jews to enter freely into Palestine, Transjordan and Cyprus?
Mr. M. MacDONALDIn accordance with the established policy of His Majesty's Government, immigration into Palestine must be governed by the economic absorptive capacity of the country. This is judged periodically by the High Commissioner, who, as the right hon. Member is aware, has shown every sympathy with the plight of German Jews consistently with the observance of this principle. As regards Transjordan, I cannot add anything to the reply given to the right hon. Member on 26th march. The policy of the Government of Cyprus regarding immigration is directed to safeguarding the livelihood of the inhabitants of the island, which would be prejudiced by allowing immigrants to enter freely into the island.