HC Deb 03 February 1937 vol 319 cc1609-10
76. Mr. Smedley Crooke

asked the Secretary of State for War the approximate cost to the country if free railway warrants were issued to soldiers who are detailed for oversea service who apply for leave to see their relatives before embarking; and will he consider the advisability for giving free warrants in these circumstances as one of the possible aids to recruiting?

The Financial Secretary to the War Office (Sir Victor Warrender)

The estimated cost is £7,000 annually. While my right hon. Friend appreciates that any concession is an aid to recruiting, he is necessarily limited by the financial factor and he does not consider that the granting of this particular concession should take priority over others of a more urgent nature.

Mr. Smedley Crooke

Does my hon. Friend realise that this concession would be very much appreciated by young soldiers, and will he prevail upon the Secretary of State to give the question further consideration?

Sir V. Warrender

I am not suggesting that the concession would not be appreciated, but there are others that would be more appreciated.