§ 16. Mr. TAYLORasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the advisability of issuing a free travelling warrant to and from a British port to all British soldiers serving with the Army of Occupation in Germany when they become entitled to their annual leave?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThe general Army rule is that free travelling on leave is not provided at the expense of Army funds, and I regret that I cannot agree to exceptional treatment in this respect for the troops on the Rhine. Arrangements are, however, in force under which these troops have the benefit of considerably reduces fares when travelling on leave to this country.
§ Mr. TAYLORDoes not the right hon. Gentleman consider that it is a great hardship on the men in the non-commissioned ranks to have to pay their fares for annual leave?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSIt is a hardship to any of us to have to pay anything, but for some of the things we pay we get some return.
§ Mr. TAYLORBut in view of the low remuneration of the non-commissioned ranks, ought not these men to be placed on terms of equality with other units?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI am afraid if we were to go into questions of remuneration there would be a lot of other claims.
§ Sir A. HOLBROOKIs it not a fact that officers do not get their fares paid when they go home?