§ 39. Sir J. D. REESasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, notwithstanding the 2103 endeavours made by the commanders-in-chief of the various expeditionary forces to ensure that all men are considered in turn for a period of leave, cases have occurred in the Notts and Derby Regiment in which men have served for upwards of two and even three years without leave; and will he inquire into such cases?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONFrom information which reaches me, I am sure that all concerned endeavour, as far as is practicable, to consider the claims of all men in turn. I regret that there are cases where men have been overseas for long periods without leave, but this is due, as I have frequently explained, to circumstances of the military situation which it is impossible to control.