§ 11. Major NALLasked the Secretary of State for War whether a regulation exists which prevents married officers spending leave in the vicinity of their stations; whether he is aware of the incidence of such regulation or custom in the case of married officers whose homes and families are in the vicinity of their stations; and whether some relaxation can be granted in these cases?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Churchill)No, Sir; no such regulation exists. I am informed that before the War there was a prejudice in some units against married officers staying at their stations during the period of their leave, but now, especially in view of the increased cost of travelling, there does not appear to be any such prejudice.
§ Major NALLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this practice is being continued by certain general officers, who are refusing to grant leave on these grounds?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI do not think that is so, but if my hon. Friend will give me some instances I will look into the matter and draw the attention of general officers to it. Of course, there is a certain difficulty, when an officer is about the barracks and not doing the work that others are doing.