§ 67. Major PROCTERasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in view of the announcement by his Department that men of the 1st Battalion the Manchester Regiment, which is being transferred from the West Indies to Egypt, will not be granted leave when their transport touches Southampton, and the hardship thus inflicted on men who have been away for 18 months, he will have the whole question reviewed?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Douglas Hacking)The ship could not be detained in order to grant a few days' leave to the men without dislocating the trooping programme and causing expense to the taxpayer. It is hoped that some eight to ten hours will be available between the arrival and the departure of the ship, and arrangements are being made for a reunion of members of the battalion and their relatives and friends at the docks. I must point out that, since it is exceptional for a unit to touch English waters on its journey from one station abroad to another, this battalion may be regarded as fortunate as compared with the majority of units abroad.
§ Major PROCTERCan the right hon. Gentleman say what the expense would be for granting leave to these men, who have been abroad for 18 months?
§ Mr. HACKINGThe expense for the detention of the ship alone for four days would be £1,200. But that is not the only factor. It would be impracticable to give these men leave for that short space of time.
§ Major PROCTERDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think that a cost of £1,200 would be well worth while?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a matter of opinion.