HC Deb 31 July 1946 vol 426 cc934-5
30. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has considered the official poster advertising recruiting for the Palestine police; and if he will consider withdrawing it.

Mr. George Hall

The answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes," Sir, and to the second "No," Sir.

Mr. Gallacher

Would the Minister be good enough to tell me what policing Palestine has to do with national defence, and whether there is any significance in the phrase "a man's job" in view of the fact that no women are making application for these posts?

Mr. Hall

The police are acting in strict cooperation with the military at the present time, and, if I may say so, they are doing their job very well indeed.

Mr. Stephen

Would not the Minister arrange to get the police for Palestine in Palestine?

Mr. Hall

There are quite a number of Jews and Arabs serving in the police force in Palestine.

Mr. Gallacher

Will the Minister answer the Question I put to him, and not merely talk about how well the police are doing their job? What has policing in Palestine to do with national defence? Will the Minister assure us that this is not an attempt to reorganise the Black and Tans?

Mr. Hall

The police forces are apart from the defence forces in Palestine, at the present time.