HC Deb 24 February 1943 vol 387 cc169-70
69. Mr. Lipson

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider allowing soldiers who have served for seven years or more in Burma and India to be brought home for a period of service in this country?

The Financial Secretary to the War Office (Mr. Arthur Henderson)

Soldiers with seven years' continuous service abroad may be considered for transfer to the home establishment. Each case is considered on its merits. The final decision in the cases referred to by my hon. Friend rests with the Commander-in-Chief, India, and depends on the military situation and the availability of shipping.

Mr. Lipson

May I ask whether the effect on the health of soldiers of being in India or Burma for seven years is considered when a decision is taken?

Mr. Henderson

I think it is safe for me to say that the health of our soldiers in India has been satisfactory. It is only in special cases that men are returned home but health is taken into consideration in deciding whether a man should be returned to the home establishment.

Mr. Lipson

Does the hon. and learned Gentleman mean "is" taken into consideration, or "has to be" taken into consideration?

Mr. Henderson

There are certain special cases where men are returned to home establishments, and one concerns the state of their health, that is to say, that if a man's health is very unsatisfactory, he may be sent home.

Mr. Evelyn Walkden

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that it would be beneficial, and would at least be well received in the country, if a general statement could be made as to what are the existing arrangements for men in the Middle East, in Burma and other theatres of war to get some kind of leave after two years' service—what are the chances, what are the arrangements and whether we can carry them out?

Mr. Henderson

I do not think it would be fair to the House or the country to hold out much hope of a general statement being made. The operational situation and the shipping problem at the present moment are such that I think it would be misleading to the country to hold out any hope.

Mr. Walkden

But was it not done in the last war in the case of men in Salonica and in Mesopotamia, even under worse conditions?