§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the British officials now being retrenched in the Government service in Palestine from motives of economy are entitled by their contracts to, or will be granted ex gratia, any compensation for disturbance and loss of employment; whether several of the officials concerned are ex-Army officers, who were specially asked to remain as civil officials on account of their special knowledge of the country; and whether anything can be done to find equal remunerative work for them elsewhere?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThere is no contractual claim to compensation in the case of these officials, but it will be grantedex gratia on terms as generous as cir- 1935W eumstances permit. The number of officials to be retrenched will not exceed five or six. All of them served in the Army during the War, as did the majority of those who are being retained. I am glad to bear witness to the good work which their knowledge and experience have enabled them to do for Palestine. Advantage will be taken of any reasonable opportunity of finding them employment elsewhere.