HC Deb 19 October 1943 vol 392 cc1209-10
50. Major C. S. Taylor

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that men serving in the R.A.F. abroad are permitted to return home for leave after a shorter period of overseas service than men serving in the Army; and whether he will consider reducing the present qualifying period for leave of six years' overseas service for Army personnel to the same qualifying period as that of the R.A.F.?

The Prime Minister

Leave to the United Kingdom for members of the Armed Forces is not related to length of service overseas. The grant of leave is confined to extreme compassionate cases. If, however, my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind tours of duty overseas during the war, I would refer him to the reply given on Tuesday last by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War to the hon. Member for West Leyton (Mr. Sorensen).