HC Deb 17 December 1941 vol 376 c1930
36. Mr. Riley

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that many British soldiers in Iceland are now facing the prospect of spending their third consecutive Christmas in Iceland without having had any leave; and will he do everything possible to afford these soldiers the earliest opportunity of meeting their families in this country?

Mr. Sandys

My hon. Friend appears to be under a misapprehension. The first British troops to be stationed in Iceland arrived there in May, 1940, and there can, therefore, be no question of any soldier spending a third consecutive Christmas there. So far as I am aware, all officers and men who were in Iceland last Christmas have since then had a period of leave in this country. If my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind, I shall be glad to look into it.