HC Deb 18 December 1916 vol 88 cc1117-8
42. Major Sir CHARLES HUNTER

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will consider the possibility of granting to all, soldiers and sailors serving at home who obtain Christmas leave a prior right of travel over civilians in such railway facilities as are available?

44. Colonel CARNEGIE

asked whether the Government have reconsidered the question of Christmas leave restriction and the facilities of travelling in connection therewith for soldiers serving at home; and whether any statement can be made as to the proposal that civilians should share the necessary restrictions?

Mr. FORSTER

The question of leave at Christmas has been carefully reviewed since the Debate on Thursday last, and we have done our best to meet the views which were then expressed. The arrangements are briefly as follows:

  1. 1. Men on leave from the front will have priority over all other travellers.
  2. 2. Leave may be given to men under training for service abroad up to 10 per cent. of the unit. Those men will proceed on leave on 21st December.
  3. In addition to that, leave may also be given to men whose training is finished without restriction as to numbers or the days of travel.
  4. 3. To men in the Home Forces leave may be given up to 10 per cent. of the unit, and these men will proceed on leave on 21st December.
  5. 4. Men of the Royal Defence Corps will be dealt with by the Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief, Home Forces.
  6. 5. Officers and men employed under the Minister of Munitions will conform to arrangements made by the Minister.
  7. 6. As far as possible, soldiers will have priority over civilians on the railways on December 22nd–25th inclusive.
    8. 1118
  8. 7. Arrangements have been made for allowing New Year leave to Scottish regiments in lieu of Christmas leave.

Mr. ASHLEY

When the hon. Gentleman says that leave up to 10 per cent. may be given to those serving at home, are we to understand that the commanding officer has discretion to refuse all leave, even the 10 per cent.?

Mr. FORSTER

It always is so.

Mr. ASHLEY

Does it mean that the commanding officer in his discretion can nullify the Order of the hon. Gentleman?

Mr. FORSTER

Yes. Of course he can, and the Army Council does not impose upon the commanding officer any obligation.

Mr. ASHLEY

Is not that the very thing that happened at Winchester last summer, when the hon. Gentleman made a promise, and the local authorities entirely nullified it?

Mr. P. MEEHAN

Will facilities be given to Members of this House who will be going home?

Mr. FORSTER

Members of the House have insisted upon soldiers having priority.