§ 31. Sir P. Hannonasked the Secretary of State for War if he will give an assurance that on the conclusion of hostilities preferential treatment will be accorded to married officers and men now serving 1150 abroad to facilitate their return to this country to rejoin their wives and families.
§ Sir J. GriggThe Army Council's present policy does not differentiate in the matter of the length of service overseas between married and single men. I regret that I am not in a position to say what policy will be followed on the conclusion of hostilities. In this connection I would refer my hon. Friend to a reply I gave my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Ilford (Mr. Hutchinson) on 25th July.
§ Sir P. HannonIs not the question worthy of a little further consideration by the War Office? Is it not important that married men should get back to their families in the shortest possible time?
§ Sir J. GriggI can assure the hon. Member that this is a matter to which I have given constant consideration, and I have taken steps which I hope will improve the flow of people back from these distant theatres.
§ Commander Locker-LampsonDo not the "old sweats" and veterans come first?