§ 69. Mr. Woodburnasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that soldiers' 48 hours' leave is curtailed in some cases, and even frustrated, when essential trains are missed by their being detained for medical examination and other formalities prior to leave; and if he will give instructions that 48 hours' leave commences only when the soldier is free to leave the regiment; and whether, also, commanding officers will be asked to facilitate, where possible, the convenience of fitting in with necessary train connections?
§ The Financial Secretary to the War Officer (Mr. Richard Law)I do not think that cases of this kind are sufficiently numerous to warrant the issue of special instructions. This is essentially a matter for arrangement within the unit, and, in the case of long journeys, I am sure that any application from a soldier to catch an essential train would be treated sympathetically.