§ 14. Mr. Bellengerasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will authorise the grant of two free travel warrants to enable near relations to visit sick or wounded soldier relatives who, although not dangerously ill, are likely to be retained in hospital for an extended period after having returned from long periods of service overseas.
§ Sir J. GriggWounded and sick soldiers from abroad are sent to hospitals as near their homes as possible. If they are dangerously ill their relatives are given free 649 travel warrants to visit them. Otherwise the relatives pay single fare for a return ticket. These rules apply in the three Services and I regret that I am not in a position to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion.
§ Mr. BellengerIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of these soldiers, because of their service overseas, have not had the same opportunity of getting free travel warrants and leave as others serving at home; and, in view of their extended detention in hospitals over here, could he not stretch a point and give relatives an opportunity of travelling to see their sick or wounded men, free of cost?
§ Sir J. GriggIf the soldiers are dangerously ill, free warrants are issued and If they are not dangerously ill, concession warrants are given. I should think that that is not bad treatment.
§ Sir Herbert WilliamsCan my right hon. Friend arrange to give tickets instead of warrants, in order to eliminate the queues at booking offices?