HC Deb 30 July 1918 vol 109 c231
32. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked whether cadets in officers' training schools are now prohibited from travelling by train during their week-end leave; and, if so, why?

Mr. MACPHERSON

The answer to the first part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question is in the affirmative. This applies to all troops serving in the United Kingdom, and is not confined to cadets. It was found necessary, in order to relieve the congestion on the railways, to issue instructions that week-end leave should not be granted if it involved railway journeys on Saturdays, Sundays, or Mondays.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Could not an exception be made in the case of cadets—of men of eighteen—preparing to go out for the first time?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I understand not, and that cadets cannot be specially treated. But in the case of cadets going out for the first time every precaution is taken that at least one leave is given before they go.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

As many of these young fellows are taken away from home for the first time in their lives, would it not be possible to give them these facilities, which would not amount to very much? Would my hon. Friend consider the advisability of reconsidering this question after the holidays?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I am quite willing to reconsider it.