§ 18. Mr. RITSONasked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements are made to enable non-commissioned officers and men of the Army who are on furlough to proceed to their homes in distant parts of Great Britain; whether railway tickets are supplied to them to their homes or to the regimental depot; whether there is any arrangement for return tickets at reduced fares; and, if not, whether, in view of the high charges now made for railway travelling, anything can be done to make it possible for such men to get to their homes?
§ Commodore KINGArrangements have been made with the railway companies by which warrant officers, non-commissioned officers and men, travelling on leave or furlough can obtain a return ticket to any destination in Great Britain at a cost of the single fare plus one-third on production of their furlough passes at the booking office of the railway company. A similar privilege is granted once a year to a soldier's family accompanying him on his annual furlough.
§ Mr. RITSONDoes not the Financial Secretary think that at a time like this free facilities for travel should be provided for places so far away as the North of England?
§ Commodore KINGI am afraid that the concession given is the most that can be granted. To give further facilities to soldiers would throw an increased cost on the War Office.