§ Mr. Simpsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will inquire as to the security, protection and general working conditions of the Palestine railwaymen; and ensure that representations from the railwaymen's union are heard by the Government of Palestine in regard to their difficulties at the moment?
Mr. M. MacDonaldI have recently received a report from the High Commissioner on the measures taken to protect the railway employés, and am satisfied that every effort is made to secure adequate protection for them. Unfortunately, it is in present circumstances impossible to devise means of affording them complete security, and I would like to take this opportunity of paying a tribute to the courage with which they have carried out their duties during the present troubles in Palestine.
1779WAs regards the second part of the question, I have no doubt that the Palestine Government will be prepared to consider any representations made to it by the railway employés, but I understand that the railwaymen's union has not yet complied with the conditions which would make it possible for the Government to accord it official recognition.