Hansard

Police (Amenities)

Volume 437: debated on Wednesday 7 May 1947

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31.

Mr. Edelman

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what extra amenities he has provided for the Palestine Police during the last six months, in view of their especially arduous conditions of service.

Mr. Creech Jones

The Palestine Government are most anxious to increase to the greatest possible extent the amenities available to the Force, whose present task, as my hon. Friend points out, is particularly arduous. During recent months their facilities for recreation and entertainment have been increased, and further expansion of these facilities is being actively pursued. I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement giving details of these measures.

Mr. Edelman

Is my right hon. Friend aware that until a fortnight ago the chief welfare officer of the Palestine Police had to beg or borrow sports equipment from the Army; and would he see that this is provided by his own Department?

Following is the statement:

  • (a) Extra amenities provided during the past six months are as follow:
  • (i) Extension of use of Force transport for recreational purposes.
  • (ii) Increase in the issue of Sunday newspapers in conjunction with the Army Sunday Newspapers Scheme.
  • (iii) Extension to British Section of the Force of right of entry to all Army Kinema Corporation cinemas.
  • (iv) Provision of additional furniture fox recreation rooms of Palestine Police.
  • (v) Provision of additional radio sets from Army Welfare sources and by purchase.
  • (vi) Grant for improvements in outdoor amenities, e.g., game shooting, bathing and other sports.
  • (vii) A police mobile cinema to be used for outlying stations.
  • (vii) Use of police horses for recreation.
  • (b) Further measures under active consideration include:
  • (i) Scheme for short leaves in neighbouring territories, e.g., Cyprus, Trans-Jordan, Syria, Lebanon.
  • (ii) Scheme for local leave for British other ranks within Palestine.
  • (iii) Assistance from Combined Services Entertainments Unit in provision of live entertainment for British Police.
  • (iv) Provision of additional mobile cinematographs.
  • (v) General all round improvements in the Forces' recreation rooms.
  • (vi) Purchase of yachts for a police sailing club.
  • (vii) Book and magazine drive.
  • (viii) Intensification of games campaign