HC Deb 20 April 1914 vol 61 cc576-7
22. Colonel BURN

asked the Secretary to the Treasury what facilities as regards leave are given to those men employed in the Royal parks who are desirous of serving their country in the ranks of the Territorial Force; and are they granted their full pay during the period of the annual training?

Mr. BENN

Men attending camp for a fortnight are allowed one week's special leave on full pay, the remainder being taken as annual leave or as leave without pay. This rule is general throughout the service.

Colonel BURN

Would it not be well for the Government to adopt the attitude they recommend to private employers of labour to give their employés leave for the whole camp term, in order to increase the efficiency of the force, and to include men who are specialists, having served in the Army?

Mr. BENN

The question only refers to employés in the Parks. I will bring the suggestion to the notice of the First Commissioner. But I may point out that this subject concerns all Government Departments, and not merely that referred to in the question.

Colonel BURN

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that there are many men who have served and are specialists, and that it would be a great advantage to have them in the Territorial Force?

Mr. BENN

I have no doubt that is so.