§ 22 and 23. Mr. Lindsayask the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) what is the total number of officers and other ranks, separately and men only, who applied for compassionate leave during 1943 and the first six months of 1944, respectively; and the percentage of requests granted in each case; (2), what is the total number of officers and other ranks, separately and men only, who applied for compassionate leave or reversion during 1943 and the first six months of 1944, respectively, which involved the care and welfare of children due to the mother's death, illness, confinement or desertion; and the percentage of requests granted in each case.
§ The First Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. A. V. Alexander)Applications for compassionate leave are made locally by a man to his commanding or superior officer, and are not generally reported to the Admiralty. I regret, therefore, that the information asked for is not available.