HC Deb 24 January 1945 vol 407 cc796-7
17. Mr. Turton

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether R.A.F. personnel in the India S.E.A.C. can come home on a system of short leave similar to that enjoyed by Army personnel.

Sir A. Sinclair

Yes, Sir. The introduction of a system of short leave for R.A.F. personnel serving in the South-East Asia Air Command has recently been approved and steps are being taken to bring the scheme into operation forthwith.

Mr. Turton

Arising out of that very satisfactory reply, for which I thank my right hon. Friend, may I ask whether he can give us some details of this plan, perhaps by publishing them in the OFFICIAL REPORT?

Sir A. Sinclair

I will consider that suggestion. Perhaps the main detail in which my hon. Friend is interested is that we hope it will be possible to provide approximately 450 passages per month.

Mr. Turton

Will they be available to all R.A.F. personnel after six months' service with S.E.A.C.?

Sir A. Sinclair

I would rather not go further into details on this matter at this moment.

Mr. Sorensen

Will they come by ship?

Sir A. Sinclair

Yes, by ship.