§ 40. Mr. Cooper-Keyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that ex-members of the Palestine Police Force have had to wait several months for their gratuities and leave and disturbance grants; that this delay is causing considerable hardship; what are the reasons for this delay; and what steps he is taking to expedite settlements.
Mr. Creech JonesI much regret the delay, but it has been unavoidable because all records had to be transferred from Palestine to this country, and a new organisation had to be set up for computing leave entitlements and retiring benefits. The records were not received here until June and the task of extracting the necessary information was very heavy.
Payments of gratuities and disturbance grants have now been authorised for about two-thirds of the Force, and I hope that payment of the remainder will be completed by the end of this month. To minimise hardship, members of the Force received an advance of £60 on arrival in the United Kingdom, and monthly advances of salary were authorised pending final computation of entitlements.
§ 66. Sir Ronald Rossasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what arrangements he has made to facilitate the entry of ex-members of the Palestine Police Force into civilian employment in this country.
§ 54. Mr. Wyattasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what purpose is 1547 served by the Information Office of the Palestine Police in Victoria Street. London, S.W.1.
Mr. Creech JonesSince January last the Palestine Police Office has been used as a resettlement bureau and advice centre to assist members of the Force in finding employment and to deal with welfare and other matters arising out of the disbandment of the Force. Men are, however, advised to register also at the Ministry of Labour local office or, where appropriate, Appointments Office, nearest to their place of residence.
§ Sir R. RossIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of these men wished to serve in the Armed Forces and were not allowed to do so? At present they are at considerable disadvantage compared with ex-Service men. Why cannot his office give them facilities comparable to those granted to ex-Service men?
Mr. Creech JonesI should like to have notice of that question, because I am not aware of this restriction.
§ Sir T. MooreWhy not transfer these men to Malaya and the Malayan Police Force, where, obviously, they are urgently needed?
§ Wing-Commander HulbertAlthough this office is doing work, as the Secretary of State says, why is it necessary to have a notice displayed outside, "Join the Palestine Police Force"?