§ 15. Mr. JOHN DAVISONasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a serious state of discontent exists among the troops in Egypt; that on the 15th ultimo the men in the command depot camp at Alexandria set fire to a cinema theatre and looted the canteens as a protest against their treatment; and whether he will see that steps are taken to grant leave facilities to all men who have had no home leave?
Captain GUESTNothing is known at the War Office of the incident alleged in the second part of the hon. Member's question, but if he will let me have any particulars in his possession I will have inquiry made. As regards the grant of leave to this country for men in Egypt, I would refer to the answer given yesterday to by right hon. Friend the Member for Woolwich.
§ 23. Mr. LAMBERTasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Territorials and other soldiers have served for long periods in India and Mesopotamia without leave; and when it is intended to bring such men home?
Captain GUESTThe circumstances mentioned have not been overlooked and all possible measures are being taken to effect the speedy return of these men to the United Kingdom. It is expected that it will be possible to bring a proportion of them home at a comparatively early date, but others must necessarily remain until relieved by the new units which will be prepared for overseas as soon as circumstances permit.
§ Mr. LAMBERTWill all the men who have been in the East for two years without having been home be brought home before the hot weather sets in?
Captain GUESTI am suggesting that the Secretary of State should make a much fuller statement upon this question and one or two others.
35. Mr. TREVELYAN THOMSONasked the Secretary for War whether it is now possible for overseas leave to be granted to officers and other ranks on the same terms and conditions; and whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists amongst other ranks with the present system, whereby in some cases officers receive four leaves during the same period in which their men only get one leave?