HC Deb 19 May 1915 vol 71 c2316
25. Mr. WING

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if his Department can make arrangements whereby each member of His Majesty's Forces can be allowed a free pass and thirty-six hours at home before leaving for the front?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Harold Baker)

Free 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.