§ Mr. SUMMERSBYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can now give an assurance that steps will be taken during the current year to carry out the reforms in connection with Palestine railways recommended by Sir Felix Pole in his recent report on this subject?
Mr. M. MacDONALDSir Felix Pole's report is not concerned with the question of reforms in connection with the Palestine railways. As I have explained in answer to oral questions in the House of Commons, arising out of a report of a local committee on road and rail transport, three experts were invited to examine and report on three different aspects of railway communication in Palestine. Sir Felix Pole was asked to advise on certain specific proposals for improving the lay-out of the railway line (including station accommodation) in order to facilitate comm- 1055W munication between Jaffa, Tel-Aviv and Haifa, comprising a scheme for the deviation of the main line. Mr. Jenkin-Jones, of the London and North Eastern Railway, was asked to advise upon development of traffic facilities, traffic organisation and rates, and Sir Laurence Halsey, of Messrs. Price, Waterhouse and Company, on the accounting system and the establishment of an adequate renewals fund. The recommendations of each of these experts contemplate expenditure of large sums. It will only be possible to reach final conclusions after a close study of all three reports which, particularly in their financial effect, are closely interrelated. They are now under consideration by the High Commissioner, who informs me that he hopes shortly to submit his considered views and recommendations. When these have been received and duly considered in the Colonial Office, the question of publication of all or any of these reports will be decided.