29. Lieut.-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALLasked the Secretary for War if a considerable number of officers of the Royal Air Force who volunteered for service in Russia were sent out at short notice and without even the usual embarkation leave; if it, was understood that they would be given leave privileges when opportunity occurred to make up for this; and if now on their return these officers, who in many cases have served 1302 long periods in the trying Russian campaign without any leave, are being demobilised and struck off the pay-sheets on their arrival back in this country?
§ Mr. PARKER (Lord of the Treasury)I have been asked to take this question. The reply to the first part is that owing to the urgency of the demands many officers were sent out at short notice. Very few, if any, went without a few days' leave. To the second part, that no communication to the effect mentioned was made by the authority of the Air Ministry. The answer to the third part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question is that all officers returning from Russia who had not been recommended for permanent or short-service commissions were informed that their demobilisation must be carried out as soon as they returned to this country; that the question of leave for service in Russia was being dealt with; and that if it was decided they were eligible for leave their demobilisation would be post-dated for the period sanctioned in order to enable them to draw pay for that period. Since then it has been decided to grant fourteen days' leave for each six months' service in Russia, and action is being taken to post-date the demobilisation of officers entitled to leave under this ruling. No leave is admissible for service of less than six months in Russia.
Sir F. HALLMay I ask the Secretary of State for the Air Department whether he is aware that in. reply to a supplementary question a few days ago he informed me that these officers had not been summarily discharged, and that leave had been granted; and can he say whether if any of these officers have been discharged on their arrival in this country and have not had proper leave, he will take steps to see that in lieu of leave, since they are demobilised, they are paid for that period?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI will inquire into the matter. Certainly they should have their proper leave.
§ Colonel YATEWhat is their proper leave? Is it not fair that an officer on demobilisation should be given twenty-eight days' grace the same as the men?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI will not say. I should like to refresh my memory.