§ 59. Mr. ANDERSONasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether free 789 travelling facilities are extended to soldiers visiting relatives on furlough before leaving for active service; and whether, seeing that this would be a boon to families of limited means, he will consider the possibility of organising a scheme in view of the Government control of railways?
§ Mr. FORSTERFree railway warrants are issued to all soldiers once prior to embarkation, or after serving three months, provided that they can be granted leave and that they have not already received the concession. Once a draft has been placed under orders to embark, it is not possible to grant leave, as the draft may have to start at any moment, but arrangements have been made for giving soldiers leave in anticipation of their being detailed for drafts, as far as the exigencies of the Service permit.