§ 4. Mr. Lipsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will consider remitting part of the sentence of 10 years' penal servitude passed on three members of the Palestine Police Force and charged with the unauthorised possession of firearms and an armoured car, in view of the fact that they are only 19 years of age.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsThe three men concerned are 20, 21 and 23 years of age. Until the termination of the Mandate for Palestine, the exercise of the prerogative of mercy is for the High Commissioner, who has not seen fit to intervene in this case. After that date, the sentences will be reviewed from time to time by my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. LipsonHas the Parliamentary Secretary seen the statement made on Monday in Palestine that all Arab and Jewish prisoners are now free, and in view of that is it really fair to these men to keep them in continued detention for long periods of this kind, and ought they not to be told that their sentences will be reviewed?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsThe position is as I have stated. Until the termination of the Mandate the prerogative of mercy is in the High Commissioner. When the Mandate terminates it will then be in my right hon. Friend and we shall consider the position at that date.
§ Mr. LipsonIs it not within the province of the right hon. Gentleman to make suggestions to the High Commissioner that the sentences should be reviewed now, or if not, will he give a guarantee that they will be sympathetically reviewed?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsThis matter will come under the notice of my right hon. Friend when he returns, and he will then consider what is the best step to take.