HC Deb 17 July 1941 vol 373 c742
69. Mr. Riley

asked the Secretary of State for War why soldiers, who are entitled by regulation to four periodic leaves during the year, receive free rail vouchers for only two of these leaves; and will he take steps to provide free vouchers for all the definitely regulated leaves for soldiers?

The Financial Secretary to the War Office (Mr. Richard Law)

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Lipson) on 18th June last, of which I am sending him a copy.

Mr. Riley

In view of the fact that it is considered desirable that four leaves a year should be given, why cannot free vouchers be provided on all four occasions?

Mr. Law

This question has been very carefully considered. As I explained in reply to a Question yesterday, in addition to the two free vouchers soldiers have the right to a ticket for the return journey at the single fare, and I do not think we can go further than that.