§ 23. Sir J. Mellorasked the Secretary of State for War why officers and other ranks stationed in Northern Ireland, who are granted leave, may be permitted to spend the whole of such leave period in England, but are not permitted to spend part in England and part in Northern Ireland?
§ Captain MargessonMy hon. Friend will appreciate that the capacity of the routes between Northern Ireland and Great Britain is limited, and it is essential that the most economical use should be made of the accommodation available. Leave passages are therefore arranged in accordance with a carefully planned time-table. The earmarking of accommodation for personnel who wish to visit this country on a day other than the beginning of their leave period would result in a waste of shipping space as well as other administrative difficulties. Exceptions to this general rule are, however, permitted in special circumstances.