HC Deb 03 April 1928 vol 215 cc1761-2
10. Mr. STEPHEN

asked the Secretary of State for War how much annual leave is granted to lads who have been enlisted in the Army for boy service; whether free railway return passes to their homes are issued to such lads when on annual leave; and whether they have the option of cancelling their engagement on attaining their 18th, or any other, year of age?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

As regards the first part of the question, lads enlisted as boys, who are serving with regimental units, may be granted furlough at the discretion of the Commanding Officer; there is no fixed period of leave. Those under training at the various trade schools receive holidays which vary with the different schools. As regards the second part of the question, free railway passes are not granted, but the boys are able to obtain cheap return tickets. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Mr. STEPHEN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a boy from Glasgow has to pay 75s. fare, at the cheap rate, which means that 75 days' wages are taken if the boy wishes to go home? Will the right hon. Gentleman try to make some other arrangement where boys are so far distant from their homes, so that they may not be deprived of so much of their wages?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

I wish the hon. Member would communicate with me and tell me to what boys he is referring, and I will then consider whether anything can be done.

Mr. STEPHEN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have already communicated with him in regard to two lads in this connection?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

I was not aware of that.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the fares to places farther north than Glasgow, Inverness and other places, are practically prohibitive for these boys? Will he not consider the question of the Department paying at least a percentage of even these cheap fares, because the cheap fare is comparatively dear to these distant places?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

The hon. Member is opening up a vast area of possible expenditure, but I will look into the matter if he will send me particulars of the class of boys to whom he is referring.