§ 28. Colonel Wedgwoodasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the duration of the leave granted to Alami Bey, a member of the legal department of Palestine; when this leave started; whether salary is drawn during leave; whether any restriction was put on where the leave was to be spent; and is the grant of leave exceptional?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreMusa Effendi Alami has been granted full pay leave for three months with effect from 11th October. With regard to the fourth part of the question, I am not aware that any special restrictions were imposed. As regards the fifth part, I understand that it was found convenient to grant this officer leave while the reorganisation of the legal department was in progress.
§ Colonel WedgwoodWas not this gentleman on leave also for a long time in 1936, and would the right hon. Gentleman give details of that leave?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreI should like to have notice of the question. I agree that he has had leave before.
§ Colonel WedgwoodWas not that leave because of the criticism which was made upon him by the Royal Commission?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreNo, Sir. No criticism was passed on him by the Royal Commission. What the Royal Commission said was that at a time of racial tension it was undesirable that the functions he performed should be performed either by Jews or by Arabs, but by a British officer.
§ Colonel WedgwoodIs he still receiving the pay of the office which he held then?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreYes, Sir.