HC Deb 24 October 1939 vol 352 c1238W
Mr. Glenvil Hall

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, even with half-fare facilities, the cost of proceeding on leave is prohibitive to many militiamen; and whether, if he cannot see his way to granting free travelling facilities at regular intervals, he will institute a graduated scale under which those serving in the Army may obtain cheap tickets, running, say, from one-twelfth in the case of single-fare rates of £2 or over down to one-sixth where the single-fare rate is 10s. or under?

Mr. Thurtle

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has now given further consideration to the question of issuing free travelling vouchers to soldiers on weekend leave when these are stationed at distances from their homes, which make even half-fare rates prohibitive to them?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

As I have previously stated, a free warrant will be given to those granted leave from France after certain periods of service there, and a free warrant will be given for leave prior to embarkation for overseas. Leave on other occasions will be at the soldier's own expense, and the usual concession will be available.