§ Mr. T. Williamsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has now ascertained to what extent the Palestine Government has been able to sanction the plans of the corporation of Tel-Aviv to raise money to proceed with certain urgent public works; and whether he can 1571W give an assurance that this long outstanding matter can now be settled with reasonable expedition?
Mr. M. MacDonaldThe past history of this matter was summarised by my predecessor in a statement made by him on the 16th March, 1938, in reply to a. question by the hon. Member. The difficulties have not yet been overcome. The most immediate and pressing need of Tel-Aviv is the provision of a new drainage system, and discussions are now proceeding between the Palestine Government and the Municipal Corporation as to the possibility of raising a loan, mostly in Palestine, to cover the cost of this work. The High Commissioner has still to satisfy himself as to the details of the scheme and as to the capacity of the Corporation to meet the obligations arising from a loan of the magnitude required.