§ 3. Mr. WINGasked the Under-secretary of State for War if he is aware that many of our sailors and soldiers in the far theatres of war have not had leave for over two and in many instances three years; and if any assurance can be given that such spaces on our ships to and fro as is possible for this purpose will be utilised for granting leave to these men now long overdue?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Macpherson)I can assure my hon. Friend that the military authorities are most anxious to arrange for leave to be given to as many soldiers as possible, but, as I have frequently explained, there are very great difficulties in the way of providing transport facilities for troops serving in the distant theatres of war.
Soldiers serving in Mesopotamia are granted leave to India as far as it is possible to arrange transport and having regard to the military situation.
A scheme is in operation for the transfer from Salonika of troops suffering from malaria, and large numbers have been sent to this country. This has, of course, restricted the accommodation for men on leave. As regards sailors, I must refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty.
§ Mr. HOGGEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that a number of these men have recently been removed from the Eastern to the Western Front, and are still without leave; and can he say that these men will come on the first rota for leave?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI cannot say that, but I am doing everything in my power to see that they get favourable consideration.
§ Sir J. JARDINECan the hon. Gentleman say what the arrangements are for the leave of troops from Mesopotamia, who have been there through several hot weathers, and now that another hot weather is about to begin, whether any of them are being allowed leave in this country or in India, and in what numbers?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI cannot very well answer all the points raised. I do not like discussing in public any movement of troops, but I can assure my hon. Friend that this year there will be no troops in Mesopotamia who have been in two hot weathers in Mesopotamia.
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI cannot add anything to the answer I have given. I may say, however, that Sir William Marshall and Sir George Milne in Mesopotamia and Salonika have been doing everything that is humanly possible to get these men leave.
§ Sir J. D. REESIs it not a fact that the cold weather in Mesopotamia is so good that it counteracts to a large extent the effect of the hot summer?