§ 85. Mr. WINGasked the Secretary of State for War if he can give an assurance that, as far as military exigencies will allow, furlough will be granted, short, if necessary, to the men who have been at the front since the commencement of hostilities and those who have served at the front twelve months without leave?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe present moment, when large numbers of our men in France are daily in close contact with the enemy, is not, I think, one when those of our troops who are not at the moment offensively engaged will expect to be granted leave. But I can certainly assure my hon. Friend that it is the desire of the Commander-in-Chief, with whom in this matter absolute discretion lies, to give all possible leave which the military exigencies will permit.