§ 17. Sir F. FLANNERYasked the Undersecretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the arrears of leave of men in the labour groups in France; whether he is aware that it was understood that no man would be kept in France for more than twelve months without leave unless as the result of unsatisfactory conduct; and whether the War Office will call the attention of the commandants of the labour groups to this undertaking, with a view to leave being given in all suitable cases?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY Of STATE for WAR (Mr. Macpherson)The number of soldiers proceeding on leave depends on the military situation, and, as I explained yesterday, the exigencies of the moment only allow a limited number of troops being granted leave. I can assure my hon. Friend that every effort is made to give leave to all men who have served in France without leave for over twelve months.