HC Deb 20 December 1915 vol 77 cc37-8
95. Mr. COWAN

asked whether, according to Service Regulations, officers of the Expeditionary Force are entitled, if conditions permit, to leave once every three months from the respective dates of their landing in France; whether, in cases where such leave has been deferred until four months after landing such officers are considered to be entitled, subject to military necessity, to a second period of leave at the expiry of six months from the date of such landing; and whether the Regulations as to leave are identical in respect of the Regular and the Territorial Forces?

Mr. TENNANT

My hon. Friend will recognise that even if, in some cases, periods of leave occur at more or less regular intervals, no hard and fast rules can be laid down. I have many times stated that the question of leave depends entirely on the exigencies of the Service and on local conditions, which are not necessarily the same at all parts of the line occupied by our troops. Obviously, too, if a unit is deficient in officers or other ranks, the granting of leave is more difficult.

Mr. COWAN

Is it the intention, as far as may be consistent with the exigencies of the Service, to make up the leave of officers of which they have been deprived under these circumstances?

Mr. TENNANT

When my hon. Friend talks about officers being deprived of leave, it is only due to the fact that it has been impossible to spare them from the line with which they are connected. Today I saw one officer who was home from the front for the first time in a whole year.

Sir A. MARKHAM

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some brigadiers make it a rule that officers and men must take their leave equally; and that no officer is preferred for leave over the ordinary soldier serving in the ranks? That is the rule.

Mr. TENNANT

I am not quite sure whether that is the general rule or not, but I should say it is fairly common.

Mr. COWAN

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question, whether the regulations as to leave are identical in respect of the Regular and the Territorial Forces?

Mr. TENNANT

Yes. I have heard today from the Adjutant-General at the front that this matter is upon a very good footing now, and he hopes there will be no further delay.