§ 20. Mr. STANTONasked the Undersecretary for War if he is aware that thousands of our gallant soldiers at the front have had no leave in many cases for eighteen and twenty months; will he make an Order that all who have served more than twelve months at the front shall get leave to visit their homes and friends; and will he do this as quickly as possible?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI can add nothing to the answers I have frequently given on this subject. My hon. Friend may rest assured that the Commander-in-Chief gives the most sympathetic consideration it this subject, and does all in Ins power to give leave as often as the military exigencies allow and according to the availability of transport.
Mr. T. WILSONIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there are thousands of these men who went out in the early days of the War who have not had any leave at all?
§ Mr. HOGGEWill the hon. Gentleman take steps through the Commander-in-Chief to ask the officers commanding each regiment to take a very simple census of the men as to when they last had leave, and endeavour at least to give leave to every man who has not had leave?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI will again make representations to the Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief.