HC Deb 10 May 1944 vol 399 cc1883-4
15. Mr. Bellenger

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether married men with three years' overseas service are eligible for return to Great Britain; and whether the bulk of these men travel home by sea.

Sir A. Sinclair

As regards the first part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply to a similar question given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Stockport (Sir A. Gridley) on 22nd March. The answer to the second part is "Yes."

Mr. Bellenger

Am I right in saying that the answer to the first part of the Question is that men with three years' service overseas are eligible for return to this country?

Sir A. Sinclair

Yes, Sir, married men.

Mr. Dugdale

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider sharing any accommodation that the R.A.F. possess in ships, with soldiers, so that they may have an equal chance of coming home after three years?

Sir A. Sinclair

No, Sir. I have an obligation to these men to see that everything I can do is done to get them home at the end of their normal tour. If the Army can come down to our tour, I shall be delighted, but I must do my best to carry out my obligations to the men for whom I am responsible.