114. Colonel THORNEasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the father of Private F. E. Pearmund, No. 617697, 216th P. O. W. Company'. Escort, British Expeditionary Force, France, died suddenly on Wednesday, 30th April; that his brother asked the War Office authorities to grant Private F. E. Pearmund a few days' leave to attend his father's funeral; that the hon. Member for West Ham also delivered a letter by hand to him on Monday, 5th May, at 11 p.m., asking for leave to be granted to Private Pearmund; that the leave asked for was refused, which prevented the sol- 1353 dier in question from attending his father's funeral; if he can give any reasons why the soldier was refused leave, and if he will take action in the matter?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLEvery effort is, and always has been, made to secure the presence of soldiers, should it be humanly possible to bring them home, in time to see either a parent or a wife before death supervenes. It has never been the custom to grant special leave solely to enable soldiers to attend the funeral of their parents or other relatives, and I very much regret that the exigencies of the Service do not permit of any exception being made in this respect.
Colonel THORNECan the right hon. Gentleman say what prevented this man from attending his father's funeral, because the War Office had ample notice to make provision if necessary?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLWe are not bringing men home from France especially in order to attend funerals. Every effort is made to allow a soldier to reach home before the death of a parent or wife, but we have not found it possible to extend that rule.
Colonel THORNEOn the day the father died did the War Office have notice asking for leave for this man?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThat may be true.