§ 26. Mr. Hewlettasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that both officers and soldiers serving in the Middle East are often unable for financial reasons to take even short periods of local leave; and, in view of the high prices for everything in the areas concerned, will he consider increasing the facilities of serving men for cheap and beneficial rest and recreation?
§ Sir J. GriggFree travel to leave centres is provided for officers and other ranks in the Middle East. I gave an outline of the arrangements made at these centres by the military authorities and by voluntary organisations to provide accommodation and meals at reasonable prices in an answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Wednesbury (Mr. Banfield) on 4th May. The importance of providing facilities is, I know, fully appreciated by the authorities in the Middle East, and the facilities are continually being extended and improved in so far as the pressure on existing means of transport and the shortage of materials permit.