HC Deb 13 February 1940 vol 357 c558
18. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can arrange that leave for Scottish members of the British Expeditionary Force should date from the time of crossing the border in stead of from the time of landing in England as at present?

Mr. Stanley

The period of leave granted is designed to enable all officers and soldiers to spend at least seven days at their homes, and it is not considered practicable to vary the period according to the location of the home.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that a man going home to Scotland on leave loses a day travelling up and a day travelling back, and that during the recent disorganisation some men in my constituency only got home in time to have a look round and then had to go back? Cannot something be done to ensure that these lads get their seven days at home?

Mr. Stanley

I should like to make that plain. If there is some reason beyond the control of the individual, such as bad weather, and delay is caused in travelling, an extension of the period can be given in order to make certain that men get their seven days at home.

Mr. Gallacher

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman make some allowance for the two days they have to spend getting up from London and getting back?

Mr. Stanley

That would be quite impracticable. People who go to the West of England may well spend nearly as much time in travelling. It would be impossible to make certain to what destination everyone is going.