§ 23. Mr. GALLACHERasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the military forces, when imposing a collective penalty on the Arab village of Gazour for alleged throwing of a bomb on the Jaffa-Jerusalem road, applied rigorous methods to Moslem women, including strict search, in violation of their religious teaching; that the old men of the village were put in custody and not allowed to participate in Friday's holy services; that, following refusal to pay a penalty, household goods, cows, horses, and chickens were confiscated; and whether he will take steps to modify these measures?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI am not aware of the alleged incident referred to by the hon. Member. The High Commissioner has already promised to furnish me in due course with information on the subject of allegations regarding the conduct of 1749 the British military forces in. Palestine in connection with the disturbances, and I propose to await his report, and pending its receipt I am not disposed to accept ex parte statements without investigation.
§ Mr. GALLACHERIs the Minister not prepared to consider stopping the collective fine on the village?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREMost certainly not.
§ Mr. GALLACHERShame!