§ 70. Mr. KEIR HARDIEasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether his attention has been called to cases where soldiers who had been granted a three days' furlough to go to their homes prior to proceeding abroad, and who, after spending 10s. on train fares, were recalled by telegram within twelve hours; whether, under the circumstances, he will give instructions to refund to the men the money expended in railway fares; whether he is aware that the 10s. allowed for certain articles of kit on enlistment in many cases still remains unpaid; whether he will give instructions for the immediate payment of this allowance; whether the question of granting free railway passes to men going home on furlough prior to being sent abroad has yet been decided; and, if not, can he promise a decision at an early date, in view of the fact that men going long distances often have to expend nearly all their available money in railway fares?
Mr. BAKERI will make inquiry into the particular case of which the hon. Member has sent me details. Those men who did not get a free warrant for Christmas leave are allowed the concession once 272 after three months service or prior to embarkation for the front, if they can be spared.