HC Deb 22 February 1944 vol 397 cc648-9
47. Mr. Tinker

asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on leave being given to Service men who have been overseas for long periods as complaints are being made about persons who have been away for over three years without leave?

The Prime Minister

A short leave system, which implies bringing a considerable number of men to this country and then sending them back, is at present, I regret, entirely beyond our means of transportation. Such shipping as can be made available for moving troops for reasons other than operational requirements and sickness is being used to bring back to the home establishment men who have been overseas for many years. It is, however, difficult in war-time to achieve complete uniformity of treatment in this respect for all serving men. In the Army officers and men who have been abroad for over five years are now being brought home. In the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force there are relatively few men overseas who have been there over three years. Moreover, arrangements are in force at overseas stations to enable officers and men of the three Services stationed there to take advantage of any opportunities for local leave which may arise.

Mr. Tinker

Would it not be possible to give consideration to people who have been overseas for three years? That appears a very long time.

The Prime Minister

We hope to reduce this as shipping permits and as the war progresses, but I cannot say more than I have said up to the present.