asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give instructions that boys serving in the Army shall not be sent to Palestine before they are nineteen years of age.

It was decided last April that since garrisons overseas could not be kept up to strength by any other means the lower age for posting men beyond Europe would have to be reduced from 18 years 6 months to 18 years 3 months. In consequence some soldiers of little more than 18 years 3 months have been sent to Palestine and are serving there. In view, however, of the decision to evacuate Palestine, the whole matter must obviously be made the subject of further review.

Would the Minister bear in mind that, under a new order, recruits are not allowed to join the Palestine Police until they are 19½?

This Question does not relate to the Palestine Police.

Quite apart from the effect of the recently announced policy of withdrawal, does not my right hon. Friend consider that, in the circumstances which have prevailed in Palestine for the past two and a half years, it was a very cruel and inefficient thing to send boys of this age to that area?

I am not called upon to pronounce on what was done before I came to the War Office.