asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science why service with the Palestine Police Force, which was by proclamation by the High Commissioner placed under the operational control of the General Officer Commanding Palestine during the war, is not reckonable for pension purposes under the teachers' superannuation scheme; and if he will make a statement.

For men teachers to whom the Teachers' Superannuation (War Service) Act 1939 did not apply, only service in the Armed Forces of the Crown or in the Merchant Navy or the mercantile marine may reckon for pension under the teachers' superannuation scheme. My right hon. Friend is advised that the Palestine Police Force was not one of the Armed Forces of the Crown.