HC Deb 11 March 1940 vol 358 cc823-4
38. Mr. R. C. Morrison

asked the Secretary of State for War whether recruits who enlist in the Pioneer Corps are entitled to the same periods of leave as the Fighting Services; and is he aware that men have been sent abroad within three weeks of enlistment and without any opportunity of visiting their homes?

Sir V. Warrender

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative, subject to the fact that leave is a privilege and not an entitlement. Every endeavour is made to grant a period of leave before embarkation, but in exceptional cases the exigencies of the Service may make this impossible.

Mr. Morrison

May I take it that, in exceptional cases in which leave has been found impossible, some consideration will be given to allowing these men to go on leave at an earlier date, in view of the fact that they have had no leave previous to going abroad?

Sir V. Warrender

It is the practice of the authorities to take these circumstances into consideration.

Sir Percy Harris

May I suggest that the Financial Secretary be allowed 24 hours' leave to recover his voice?