101. Mr. E. HARVEYasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the fact that soldiers who have served for one or two years, without any leave, in Egypt and Palestine have been transferred for service in France without first having an opportunity of leave at home; and whether, especially having regard to the universal practice in the French Armies of granting leave in corresponding cases, general instructions can be issued to provide for leave to be granted to British soldiers in these circumstances?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on the 24th July to questions by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Blackpool and my right hon. Friend the Member for Kirkcaldy Burghs, and to the statement which I made last night.
§ Mr. HOGGECan the right hon. Gentleman say if men outside the lines in France are getting the same kind of consideration in respect to increased leave?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThe only arrangement that I have made so far is that I am trying to get preferential leave to soldiers who have fought in the Eastern theatres of war, and who are now in France.