§ 97. Sir A. HOLBROOKasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to an Order limiting the free passage of officers and nurses returning home from service with the British Army of the Rhine on retirement, 1430 half pay, demobilisation, or on completion of contract to the port of disembarkation in the United Kingdom, and imposing on them the liability to pay their own expenses thence to their destinations; and whether he can see his way to remove this liability on those who are serving their country abroad having regard to the very small saving effected by the Order?
§ Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYUnder the Regulations, regular officers and nurses when returning from abroad on retirement or resignation are not entitled to travelling expenses in the United Kingdom, but during the war a concession allowing such expenses was made, primarily in the interest of temporary officers and temporary nurses. This concession, which was not intended to be permanent, was generally withdrawn on 1st March last, and the standing Regulations were again brought into force. Having regard to the necessity for economy, I am not prepared to recommend a permanent relaxation of these Regulations, but I will consider whether, and under what conditions, the concession can be restored for the benefit of such few temporary officers and nurses as have not yet been demobilised.