§ 2. Mr. Fitzroy Macleanasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will pay compensation to Mr. H. H. Dixon, a former employee of the Imperial War Graves Commission in Palestine in respect of the losses incurred by him as a result of his evacuation from Palestine under Operation Polly in 1947.
§ The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Shinwell)Mr. Dixon, who was resident in Palestine, was engaged locally by the Commission in October, 1946, and employed on their local temporary staff as a cemetery caretaker until he was evacuated to this country by the Palestine Government in February, 1947. Despite his very short service the Commission continued to pay him wages at the rate of £20 a month until 15th June, 1947. I understand that the Palestine Government paid him an allowance after that date. I see no reason why the Commission should pay compensation to Mr. Dixon, who in 1947 expressed his appreciation of the excellent treatment accorded to him by the Commission.