HC Deb 20 November 1917 vol 99 c985
11. Major DAVID DAVIES

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether Army Council Instruction No. 1,564 is intended to prohibit soldiers from travelling even for short journeys on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays, or whether it is only intended to prevent an undue amount of week-end leave being granted?

Mr. MACPHERSON

The arrangements to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers were made on the understanding that ordinary leave involving railway travel on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays would not be granted. Provision is made for journeys on these days in special circumstances. The present Regulations as regards leave are far more favourable to the men than those previously in force, and in view of the heavy demands on the resources of the railways, it is considered necessary to maintain the existing restrictions.