§ Sir C. HOBHOUSE (by Private Notice)asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he can give the House any information as to the arrangements for leave he is making for increasing the number on leave of soldiers who have served or are serving in France, and also on the Eastern Front; and particularly whether anything can be done with regard to officers and men who have been serving in German East Africa and have been transferred from there to Palestine?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThis question has received, and is receiving, the most serious and sympathetic consideration of the Government. Arrangements will be made at once to give leave to 6,000 a day from France—about 180,000 a month—about 1,000 a week from Italy, and 1,700 a week from Salonika. I am sorry I am not in a position to say what we can do with regard to India, Mesopotamia, Egypt, or East Africa, but I hope in the course of a week to be able to make a public announcement.
§ Mr. WRIGHTCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether any further arrangement can be made for the leave of officers and men in Salonika, especially those who have been in hospital?
§ Sir C. HOBHOUSEAm I to understand that a very considerable increase in the numbers will be obtained by the figures the right hon. Gentleman has just announced?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONA very great increase, indeed.