§ 48. Mr. Tinkerasked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the granting of leave to Service men who have been overseas for a long period?
§ The Prime MinisterI regret that I cannot add anything to statements previously made on this subject.
§ Mr. TinkerCan the right hon. Gentleman hold out any hope when he will make the statement? We get many letters on the subject.
§ The Prime MinisterI am afraid I cannot, at the present time. The war is spreading over wider regions, and our Forces are ever more completely engaged with the enemy. The hard cases of men who have been a long time away—[An HON. MEMBER: "Six years"]—are bound to weigh heavily on the mind of those who are responsible.
§ Mr. MolsonIs not my right hon. Friend aware that entirely different rules are now applied by the three Service Departments to these cases? Will he not try to introduce some uniformity among the Departments?
§ The Prime MinisterWell, of course, the conditions are different, but it is hoped to assimilate them as much as possible in the near future.
§ Mr. J. DugdaleWill it be possible for such men as do get back to have a longer period of leave than 14 days?
§ The Prime MinisterI think that is well worth considering.