§ Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Jews are now in prison in Palestine as illegal immigrants, either awaiting trial or deportation or serving sentence; and whether, in view of the present situation in Palestine, these loyal elements may be set at liberty?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI have no in formation to show that there are any such persons as suggested in the first part of the question, but I am asking the High1744W Commissioner for Palestine for the information.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of Arabs and of Jews serving on the railways, including the railway along the Emek, both before the troubles and now, during the so-called Arab strike?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI will ask the High Commissioner to supply me with the figures for which the right hon. Member has asked.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Jews, Arabs, and British are now serving in the Palestinian police and as special constables; are the special constables armed; and whether the Jewish constables are paid for out of public funds or by the Jews themselves?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREThe strength of the Palestine police on the 31st December last was:
British 746 Arabs 1,465 Jews 365 Since that date the approved establishment of Palestinians has been increased by over 200 and that of British police by over 150. In addition, more than 2,000 supernumerary police have been enlisted, partly for close defence of Jewish settlements, thereby releasing regular police and troops for more active duties. The wages of some of these, but I cannot say how many, are paid by the communities concerned. I understand that the supernumerary police are armed with varying weapons, but I have no details as to the equipment of any particular numbers.