HC Deb 04 July 1944 vol 401 c987
15. Mr. Murray

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the method of granting soldiers free travel warrants from Egypt to Palestine or Syria is not satisfactory; and whether he will endeavour to give facilities to these men for free return rail warrants to a specified station in Palestine, plus his ration allowance, so that men who do not desire to spend their 14 days' leave in an Army camp will not be penalised, but will be given the liberty of choice in this matter.

Sir J. Grigg

These questions are now being examined.

Mr. Murray

Is there not a great desire on the part of men who have been a long time away from home to visit some of these places of Biblical interest but at the present time the Regulations are materially operating against them?

Sir J. Grigg

I think that my hon. Friend is under a misapprehension in believing that the men are, even now, compelled to go to a leave camp. In any event, what is under consideration is the question of increasing the facilities.

Mr. Murray

Is the Minister not aware that some penalties are imposed on these men if they do not go to the leave camp, in that they have to forgo, their high ration allowance, which is a very considerable amount—four guineas?

Sir J. Grigg

I was not aware of that, and it is not consistent with my information. Perhaps my hon. Friend will write to me, giving the facts as he has been told them.

Mr. Murray

I want to thank the Minister for that invitation, and to say that I have already sent the facts to him. That is why the Question is down.