asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will find out how many Jews were recently arrested for the murder of two Arabs in Tel Aviv; how many are still in gaol; and why such steps were taken?

I will ask the High Commissioner for a report.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will find out how many Arabs have been prosecuted for damaging Jewish property during the last six months; how many await trial for such offences; and how many have been convicted?

I will ask the High Commissioner for the information desired.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will find out how many Arabs have been prosecuted for the murder of Jews during the last six months; how many are now awaiting trial; and how many convicted?

I will ask the High Commissioner for the information desired.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will see that steps are taken to disarm the Arabs in Palestine without disarming the Jews, who require arms for self-defence and cannot be effectively defended in any other way?

The question of disarming persons, whether Arabs or Jews, in illegal possession of arms in Palestine, is under consideration and I am at present unable to make any statement on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will obtain an estimate of the direct damage suffered by Jews at the hands of Arab rebels during the last six months; has any compensation been paid; and will any compensation be paid?

I will ascertain from the High Commissioner whether the estimate asked for in the first part of the question can be supplied. As regards payment of compensation, I am not in a position to make any statement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, with a view to preventing disloyal action by officials in Palestine, an oath of allegiance to His Majesty may be required from all persons paid salaries by the administration, whether British, Arab, or Jew?

It would be contrary to established practice in territories within the sphere of the Colonial Office to require all officials to take an oath of allegiance to His Majesty, and I am not prepared to entertain the right hon. Gentleman's suggestion.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will endeavour to find out from whence the Arabs derived the money and arms used to continue the troubles in Palestine for six months?

I am satisfied that the Palestine Government have used their utmost endeavours in investigating the sources of money and arms used for promoting the disorders.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the disorders in Palestine were allowed to continue for six months without martial law being proclaimed?

In view of the extensive powers conferred on the High Commissioner by the Palestine (Defence) Order in Council, it was not necessary or desirable to proclaim martial law in Palestine. As the situation developed, however, the Palestine (Defence) Order in Council was amended so as to enable the High Commissioner to delegate to the General Officer Commanding the Forces in Palestine very wide powers for securing the public safety and the defence of the country as soon as the necessary additional reinforcements were available. In view of the calling off of the general strike on 12th October and of the improvement in the situation in Palestine, it has not been necessary for the High Commissioner to delegate any powers, but the powers remain and could be delegated in the event of serious disorder breaking out again.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Grand Mufti has ordered a boycott of Jews in Palestine; and, if so, will this action by a paid servant of the Government go unreproved and unpunished?

I understand that there is a movement amongst certain Arabs for boycotting Jews, but I am not aware of there being any evidence that it has been ordered by the Mufti of Jerusalem. I would invite attention to replies which have been given by my predecessor and myself explaining the position of the Mufti and the particular functions in respect of which he receives remuneration from Palestine funds.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of Arab action to stop the development of a port at Tel Aviv; and will he prevent the Palestine administration from taking any further steps to assist these Arab interests against legitimate competition, namely, by restricting the use of Tel Aviv harbour in any way whatever?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. I am not aware of any grounds for the suggestion made in the second part.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Royal Commission on Palestine will be empowered to accept evidence in this country from Englishmen concerning the weakness shown by the Palestine Administration in dealing with Arab lawbreakers?

It will be open to the Royal Commission to hear whatever evidence they wish. The admissibility of evidence and the procedure for hearing it are matters entirely within the discretion of the Royal Commission.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has, or can obtain, any information as to the German Government permitting Jews to take 8,000 marks of capital out of Germany on surrendering half; and whether he will reduce the capital required by Jews entering Palestine so that such Jews may be enabled to escape from Germany?

I do not think any useful purpose would be served by obtaining detailed information regarding the somewhat complicated arrangements for the transfer of capital from Germany to palestine, as I am satisfied that any reduction in the qualifying capital required for immigrants could not be economically justified in present circumstances obtaining in palestine.