32. Lieutenant-Colonel Sir JOHN HOPEasked the Secretary of State for War whether soldiers who have been abroad for two or more years without leave and arrive home for demobilisation only receive the twenty-eight days' furlough on full pay and ration allowance which is given to all soldiers on demobilisation; and whether he will consider giving to such soldiers some extra allowance or furlough in lieu of the overseas leave of which they have been deprived owing to the exigencies of the service in distant theatres of war?
Captain GUESTCareful consideration has been given to the question of the granting of additional furlough to soldiers who have been abroad for two or more years without home leave but I regret that under present circumstances I do not see my way to grant such additional furlough in these cases. I would point out to my 1578 hon. and gallant Friend that a number of the men referred to have already received overseas leave.
Sir J. HOPEDoes not the hon. Gentleman realise that holidays or leave on full pay are part of the emolument of a soldier and that if the man gets no holiday the Government profits by it?
Sir J. HOPEBut this is a question of money. Cannot some recompense be given to men who do not get a holiday?