§ MR. RENWICK (Newcastle-on-Tyne)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether arrangements can be made to enable men who have served throughout the war, and whose regiments or batteries are under orders to proceed direct from South Africa to India at the conclusion of the war or earlier, to visit this country on furlough prior to their proceeding to India.
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Lord STANLEY. Lancashire, Westhoughton)This plan has been already given careful consideration. It has, however, been found impossible to make the necessary arrangements without unduly retaining in India the equivalent number of men.
§ MR. RENWICKMay I ask the noble Lord if he can give this matter further consideration? It is very important.
§ LORD STANLEYYes, Sir, it is important; and the Secretary of State has looked into it very carefully. He is unable to grant the request.