HC Deb 02 July 1918 vol 107 cc1560-1
7. General CROFT

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether he is aware that there are men at present serving in Salonika who have been absent from home for over three years; and whether arrangements can be immediately made to see that these men are given leave?

Mr. MACPHERSON

As I stated on Thursday last, in reply to a question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Bishop Auckland, owing to the restricted facilities for transportation, leave for troops serving at Salonika and other theatres of war in the East is necessarily limited. I can, however, assure my hon. and gallant Friend that everything possible, consistent with the military situation, is being done to increase the numbers to whom leave is granted. Preference is given to men who have served longest without leave.

9. Colonel Lord HENRY CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the possibility of granting greater facilities for leave to the men of the Yeomanry Division now serving in France who left England more than two years ago, and have not since had an opportunity of visiting their homes?

Mr. MACPHERSON

As my hon. Friend will realise, the military exigencies of the moment only allow a limited number of troops being granted leave. When the situation permits of a resumption of this privilege, I am sure the Field-Marshal will give every consideration to cases, such as those mentioned, where leave has necessarily been postponed.

Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

Will a prior claim be recognised?

Mr. MACPHERSON

Yes, Sir; I will make a point of placing it before the Field-Marshal.

10. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the possibility of arranging that Driver C. Rawson, No. 19015, Royal Field Artillery, should be sent home, his mother having recently lost her husband and three sons, of whom two were killed on active service, Driver Rawson being her only surviving adult son?

Mr. MACPHERSON

This case will be forwarded to the Commander-in-Chief concerned for his consideration.

Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

This is the case of a pledge being given in this House—is it not?

Mr. MACPHERSON

Yes; I believe it is such a case. I am bringing it before the notice of the Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief.