HC Deb 25 February 1919 vol 112 cc1569-70
19. Mr. SWAN

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will sympathetically consider the possibility of granting additional leave on furlough to all those men who have served in Egypt, Palestine, Salonika, and Mesopotamia without a period of home leave?

Mr. CHURCHILL

If my hon. Friend is referring to demobilisation furlough, this question was carefully considered, the period fixed being twenty-eight days, and it is regretted this decision cannot be reconsidered. In the ordinary leave the correct principle is that allowance shall be made for the journey to and from the theatre of operations in which the man is serving.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there are many cases of men who have had no home leave for over three years: will he see to that and have it altered?

Mr. CHURCHILL

All such men will be sent home, not on leave, but for demobilisation as fast as physically possible.

Mr. HURD

Would it be possible, in the demobilisation to have some period of leave corresponding to their last home leave?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I do not think that is necessary. When the men come home we want them demobilised as quickly as possible. They have a certain period in which they are passing into civil life; after that the unemployment provisions applicable cover them.

Mr. HURD

I was thinking of a money payment?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I cannot make any promise as to that.