HC Deb 21 March 1917 vol 91 cc1900-1
37. Mr. BILLING

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the customary 48 hours' leave granted to all men who are warned for foreign service, especially Egypt and Mesopotamia, still obtains; and, if this custom has been stopped, can he give any reason for the same?

Mr. MACPHERSON

Yes, Sir. The customary leave still obtains for men warned for service overseas, subject to the exigencies of the Service. No exception is made in the case of those proceeding to Egypt and Mesopotamia.

Mr. SNOWDEN

Have not specific instances been given where men have been refused leave?

Mr. MACPHERSON

Certainly; it all depends upon the exigencies of the Service. The general rule is that every soldier who is warned for a draft gets his draft leave, but very often instructions come at the very last moment, and there is no time.

Mr. MOONEY

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that men have joined up on the 6th March and have been sent abroad on the 13th March without any leave whatever?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I have no knowledge on the point.