§ 37. Mr. BRUNNERasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the men now coming home on leave from Salonika travel from Taranto to Cherbourg in box trucks, thirty per truck; whether the journey takes eight days and the men get no hot meal on the journey; and whether men who have served over three years without leave get only three weeks' leave?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONYes, Sir, I am aware of the accommodation provided. Unfortunately, it is the best which we can provide. The wagons are covered in and are heated during the winter. The journey takes eight days, including the various halts, which vary from twelve to twenty-four hours. Hot meals are served to the troops at the halts. The period of leave is limited to twenty-one days to enable as many as possible to obtain leave.
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI am not quite sure about that. I know there are rest halts along certain parts of the line, but whether or not there are any in Italy I cannot say. I will inquire.