§ 21. Mr. BUTCHERasked the Secretary to the Admiralty why the men in the Royal Naval Division at Blandford only get half-fare railway warrants to visit their homes before going to the front in cases where they have had Christmas leave; is he aware that many of them come from Scotland, the North of England, and North Wales, which brings the cost of their journey to £2, while, if they have made a separation allotment, their pay is only 5s. per week; and can anything be done to make less expensive their final visit home before sailing?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIt has been decided to grant free railway warrants to men of the Royal Naval Division, when leave is granted them, to enable them to visit their 184 homes before going abroad, and instructions on the subject will be issued shortly.