§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a force of constabulary for the Middle East is being raised; what is to be the strength of this force; what is its estimated annual cost; for what countries is it required; whether its cost will be borne on British funds or on the funds of the territories where 288W the force operates; whether the personnel is to be European or whether natives of Asia and Africa will be enrolled; and whether aliens will be permitted to enlist in this force?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLA force of British gendarmerie is being raised at the present time for service in Palestine. Its total strength will be about 700 of all ranks. It is estimated that its recurrent cost will be about £280,000 per annum. The question of the incidence of this expenditure is still under discussion. The personnel will be exclusively British.