§ 24. Colonel BURNasked the Undersecretary of State for War if he will communicate with the General Officer Commanding the Egyptian Expeditionary Force, and urge that those non-commissioned officers and men of garrison regiments who have served in Egypt for three years shall be allowed to come home on leave?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI am afraid I can add nothing to what I said recently on this subject, when introducing the Army Estimates. I am sure that the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief is taking steps to ensure that the claims of those who have been longest with the force receive every consideration.
§ Colonel BURNDoes not my hon. Friend realise that there is very great disappointment amongst these men who have been 1370 out there for three years, and have consequently not seen their families for a very long time?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI think the House will realise that nobody is more concerned than I am about the welfare of these men. Personally I have done, and will do, everything possible in the matter. But the General Officers Commanding-in-Chief in any distant theatre of war are up against tremendous difficulties—largely difficulties of transport—in this matter of leave, though they are all most sympathetic and most willing to do all they can.