asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that men who joined the Palestine Police Force under a contract of service for a period of three years or the duration of the war, whichever is the shorter period, are being compelled by the Inspector-General of that police force to complete the full period of three years in contravention of the contract which they signed; and what steps he is taking to see that the contract is honoured.

I have received a number of complaints regarding this matter on which there has evidently been a misunderstanding. There is no intention of retaining these men for the full three years contrary to the provisions of their contract.