HC Deb 22 June 1917 vol 94 cc2119-20
20. Mr. BYRNE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that there are Irish soldiers serving in His Majesty's Forces who have not received one day's leave since the outbreak of War; who is responsible; and will he see that leave is granted immediately?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I assume that the hon. Gentleman refers to men serving overseas. I would refer him to the answer gives, on the 19th instant to my lion. Friend the Member for Merthyr.

Mr. BYRNE

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the truthfulness of the statement in this question cannot be denied, namely, that there are men at the front who have been there since the outbreak of the War and have not yet received any leave?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I think that is very likely true, and I am sorry to hear it. As I pointed out in my answer to the hon. Member for Merthyr Tydvil, the Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief has been doing his level best for a long time to allow every man to have leave. Of course, the determining factor is the exigencies of the Service.