HC Deb 27 January 1937 vol 319 cc915-6
6. Sir John Mellor

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any further information to give as to the compensation paid or to be paid by the Egyptian Government to those British officers and constables of the Egyptian city police whose services have been or will be terminated in consequence of the provisions of the Anglo-Egyptian Treaty; and as to the progress of his negotiations for the re-employment of these men in the British Colonial or other Services?

Viscount Cranborne

As regards the first part of the question, discussions are proceeding between His Majesty's Ambassador in Cairo and the Egyptian Government regarding the compensation to be granted for those British officers and constables of the Egyptian police who are not entitled to a pension and have not already received compensation. In reply to the second part of the question: as regards commissioned officers, my right hon. Friend has already informed His Majesty's Ambassador in Cairo that the Secretary of State for the Colonies is prepared to take note, for consideration on the occurrence of suitable vacancies in the Colonial Police Service, of the names of those officers whom he may specially wish to recommend. As regards constables, certain Colonial Administrations have already been asked by the Secretary of State for the Colonies to discuss with His Majesty's Ambassador in Cairo the possibilities of absorbing any of the British constables. I understand that employment has already been found for four constables. The Admiralty are also giving full consideration to the possibility of employing a number of these officers and men at certain of His Majesty's Naval establishments abroad.

Sir J. Mellor

While thanking my Noble Friend for his reply, may I ask him to do his utmost to see that full notice is taken of the record of these men, who bore the brunt of responsibility for the maintenance of law and order in Egypt during a very difficult time?

Viscount Cranborne

I can assure my hon. Friend that His Majesty's Government will do their very utmost.

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