43.
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has now received an answer from the Palestine Government regarding the proposal to repair the Crusader castle of Athlit with labour from the neighbouring internment camps?
I have received a reply from the Palestine Government regarding my hon. Friend's suggestion. I understand that there are at present no internees in Athlit Camp. Moreover, even if internee labour were available, repairs to the castle at Athlit would be a highly technical operation which could only be undertaken under the personal supervision of an architect with special experience of the restoration of ancient monuments. No such expert is available in Palestine. Consideration will, however, be given to the employment on some other suitable work of any person who may, in future, be detained in the camp.
Is it a fact that the French Government in Syria and the British Government in Cyprus, and even the Italians at Rome, have done wonderful work in restoring Crusader castles? Is it not a reflection on the Palestine Government that every Crusader castle in our territory has been left entirely derelict?
I should like to see all the work done that is possible, but I think my hon. Friend will agree that it would be a bad thing to intern people in order that they should work on these castles.