HC Deb 05 August 1941 vol 373 c1775
24. Mr. Glenvil Hall

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men undergoing training in a certain place are given no leave during the six months' course; that this may mean nearly nine months without leave where men are transferred from other units; and whether he will take action to remedy this?

Captain Margesson

My hon. Friend will appreciate that it is not normally practicable to grant leave to personnel undergoing specialist courses, as this would have the effect of lengthening the period of the course and so reducing the number of men passing through it within any given period. However, in the case of the longer courses, leave on short pass is, given half-way through the course, and a period of privilege leave is to be given after four and a half months in certain cases.

Mr. Hall

Will the Minister state exactly what is short leave, and whether it is now being given in this particular case?

Captain Margesson

I think that the, short leave would be 48 hours. I would not like to be held down to saying whether the "scheme has actually started, but that is the intention.

Mr. Hall

Surely the Minister would agree that 48 hours' leave is not a very long time, taking travelling into account? Is he aware that there is a great deal of dissatisfaction among the men, and especially among the women, who have not seen their men folk for such a long time?

Captain Margesson

I doubt whether that view is substantially taken. The demand to go to this course is very great, and I always have very many more applications than places.