§ 54. Mr. Roland Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that soldiers of the 1st battalion the Loyal Lancashire Regiment, on being granted leave to proceed to their homes on their recent return to England after service in India and Palestine, were not granted free travelling warrants; and, since most of this Regiment live in the North and travelling expenses from the depot at Tidworth were exceedingly heavy; whether he can state the reason why the men were not taken to a depot nearer their homes or, alternatively, given travelling warrants?
§ The Financial Secretary to the War Office (Sir Victor Warrender)Under existing regulations free travelling warrants are not authorised for military personnel proceeding on leave, and I am advised that the cost of making such a concession would be prohibitive. With regard to the second part of the question, personnel returning home with their unit from a tour of foreign service do not proceed individually to the regimental depot but accompany the unit to its new station, which in the case of The Loyal Regiment was Tidworth. There are no stations for regular battalions in Lancashire.
§ Mr. GoldieSince when was the depot of the Loyal Lancashire Regiment moved from Preston to Tidworth?
§ Sir V. WarrenderI did not say it was removed from Lancashire.
§ Mr. MabaneCan the Minister say the actual cost? Is it considered prohibitive?
§ Sir V. WarrenderI have not been able to get the actual figure, and should therefore not like to mention any.
§ Mr. RobinsonWould it not make the task of recruiting very much easier if the interests of the serving soldier were considered?