HC Deb 07 May 1940 vol 360 c1028
26. Mr. R. J. Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for War the conditions under which a member of the British Expeditionary Force can have leave in case of a family bereavement?

Mr. Stanley

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Lambeth, North (Mr. C. G. Strauss) on 18th April last. No attempt has been made to formulate exact rules, which would, I think, be neither desirable nor practicable.

Mr. Taylor

Is it the case that when a soldier receives notice of the bereavement of his family and notifies his commanding officer, the officer then presents the soldier with a form which has to be signed by the doctor, in order to establish the fact of the bereavement before leave can be obtained to attend the funeral?

Mr. Stanley

I should want notice of that question, but I should think that what the hon. Member suggests is unlikely.

Mr. Taylor

According to my information that is what happened in this case, and it would have taken eight days before the fact of the bereavement could have been established in that manner.

Mr. Stanley

Perhaps the hon. Member will give me the facts of the case.

27. Mr. Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for War under what conditions a member of the Forces serving in Palestine may be granted leave?

Mr. Stanley

In present circumstances, it is not permissible to grant leave home from Palestine, but local leave can be given at the discretion of the local military authorities.