HC Deb 12 January 1916 vol 77 cc1589-90
22. Mr. GRANT

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if officers and men on leave from the front with free warrants to their homes and back are now required to pay full fare for any journey they may desire to make while in England?

Mr. FORSTER

Officers and men only get free warrants to and from their homes and the front. It would be impossible to arrange the further concession alluded to.

Mr. GRANT

Have they been curtailed?

Mr. FORSTER

No.

23. Mr. GRANT

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether officers are always expected to travel first-class?

Mr. TENNANT

There is no order making it compulsory for officers to travel first-class, but it is considered desirable for disciplinary reasons that they should do so; and warrants for journeys performed on duty and concession rates for journeys when on leave are only issued for first-class travelling.

24. Mr. GRANT

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he can say by whose orders the privileges hitherto enjoyed of travelling on payment of single fare for return journey have been with drawn; and why this has been done?

Mr. FORSTER

I am afraid that my hon. Friend has been misinformed. The privilege referred to has not been withdrawn.

36. Mr. WILLIAM THORNE

asked when the first issue will take place of free railway warrants to troops going on furlough who have completed three months' training or more?

Mr. FORSTER

Soldiers at home who have had three months' training have now for many months been entitled to one free travelling warrant when allowed to proceed on leave to their homes. Certain further privileges for soldiers at home of longer service came into force on 4th December, 1915. The details were printed in the OFFCIAL REPORT of 14th December.