§ 39. Mr. Bellengerasked the Secretary of State for War what were the arrangements for granting privilege leave to members of the British Expeditionary Force in 1914 and 1915; and if similar arrangements are being made now.
§ Sir J. GriggIn 1914 and 1915 leave was granted when operational conditions permitted. In quiet periods this worked out at perhaps seven days' leave every six months. As regards the second part of the hon. Member's Question, I would refer him to the statement I made in answer to a number of hon. Members on 26th September.
§ Mr. BellengerAs my right hon. Friend has given the impression that large-scale preparations are being made in London for the reception of men getting leave from overseas, will he carry the matter a little further and let the troops know that they will also be able to get leave during static periods of warfare?
§ Sir J. GriggI am not prepared, at present, to go beyond the previous answers I have given. Further, when the hon. Members says that I have given such an impression I have done nothing of the sort. It is a certain number of imaginative journalists who have given that impression.