§ 25. Colonel Sir RANDOLF BAKERasked whether officers on the Staff who have served over two years in the East are allowed to apply for Home service; and, if so, whether regimental officers who have served over three years in the East may have the same privilege granted them?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONAn officer may apply for service at home, but whether he can be spared or not depends on the needs of the Commander-in-Chief in the theatre of war concerned. A number of interchanges have been arranged during the past, but, as my hon. and gallant Friend will realise, it is not possible for any definite rule to be laid down.
§ Sir R. BAKERDoes that apply equally to regimental officers or only to officers on the Staff?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONIt applies both to officers on the Staff and regimental officers.
§ Major E. WOODIs it possible, as far as it can be managed, to extend this same privilege to non-commissioned officers and men who went out in 1914?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONYes; my hon. and gallant Friend will recollect there was almost a distinct pledge given in this House that that was to take place. Unfortunately, the trend of events altered that.
§ Major WOODMay we take it that, as soon as the military situation permits, it will be the intention of the Government and Commander-in-Chief to put that into effect?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONCertainly.