asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that British constables in Palestine who marry women of Arab or Moslem extraction receive no marriage allowance or matrimonial increments to their salaries, whilst those who marry native women of European origin receive increases in their pay; whether he will state the reason for this ban upon marrying women of local nationality and institute an inquiry with a view to the removal of this discrimination?

I am consulting the High Commissioner for Palestine and I will communicate to my hon. Friend in due course the result of my inquiry.