HC Deb 23 June 1948 vol 452 cc1332-3
16. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many members or former members of the Palestine Police have been offered employment on police duties in Malaya.

Mr. Creech Jones

Staff requirements are being reassessed in the light of the present disturbances. I cannot yet say what the total requirement will be, or what proportion of any new posts will be recruited from former members of the Palestine Police, who are of course eligible for consideration.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Does that mean that no definite offer has been made to any of these men so far, and if so, does the right hon. Gentleman realise that these extremely experienced and capable men will undoubtedly find themselves other employment before very long?

Mr. Creech Jones

The hon. Member will realise that there are practical difficulties in introducing people with just this kind of experience in Malaya, but the problem is being actively explored and discussions are going on.

Mr. Manningham-Buller

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many former members of the Palestine Police Force are now unemployed?

Mr. Creech Jones

That is another question.