§ 10. Sir A. MARKHAMasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will say, seeing the Government have guaranteed the dividends of railway companies, why soldiers before they leave for the front are not allowed a free pass to say good bye to their relatives; whether he is aware that in the case of married men who have made an allotment to their wives these men are unable to find the money for the half-railway fare, seeing that many of these regiments are brought long distances from their homes to certain camps before they leave for the front?
§ Mr. FORSTERIf the question is intended to suggest that under the arrangements made with the railway companies no question of cost is involved, the hon. Member is mistaken. Military as well as financial considerations are involved in the grant of passes. I have the subject under consideration in conjunction with the military authorities at the present time.