HC Deb 12 June 1945 vol 411 cc1442-4
17. Mr. Seaborne Davies

asked the Secretary, of State for War whether, in view of the difficulties and delays of travel beyond Crewe experienced by soldiers from North Wales coming home on leave from the B.L.A. or other foreign service, he will compensate them by the grant of an extra day's leave.

40. Flight-lieutenant Teeling

asked the Secretary of State for War. whether he is aware that personnel on leave from Burma under the L.I.A.P. scheme for 28 days do not get travelling time in addition to the period of leave and that officers and men proceeding on leave from London to Scotland and Ireland are badly affected; and whether he will make some concessions in this direction.

Sir J. Griģģ

The present leave scheme for those coming from overseas, other than from North-West Europe, is intended to give the men 28 days at their homes. Those coming by sea have ample time for travelling. My hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Brighton is, I think, referring to those who come by air and I am grateful to him for drawing my attention to this problem. Instructions are being issued that these men shall be given sufficient travelling time to ensure that they can spend 28 clear days at their homes. For those coming home from North-West Europe the period of leave is 11 days in this country including travelling time. This normally ensures nine days at home. In the exceptional cases where travelling time is insufficient extra time is allowed.

Mr. Seaborne Davies

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain exactly whether or not he is prepared to grant an extra day's leave to these men who find considerable difficulty in getting to remote parts of North Wales?

Sir J. Griģģ

I thought I had answered that Question pretty categorically. I am very sorry if I was not clear. Instructions are being issued that these men shall be given sufficient travelling time to ensure that they can spend 28 clear days at their homes.

33. Flight-lieutenant Teeling

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make Brighton railway station a terminus for B.L.A. and other leave men, and thus enable the R.T.O. to arrange for their accommodation should they miss the last connection to various south-coast stations without their having to lose a night of their leave.

Sir J. Griģģ

I understand that insufficient men travel to this area to justify a special train. The Railway Traffic Officer can already arrange for men to spend the night and I have not heard of any being stranded.

Flight-Lieutenant Teeling

While agreeing that a small number of men are entailed, may I ask whether it would not be a small matter for the War Office to allow them to have one centre where they can stay the night, thus giving them an extra day's leave instead of their losing one?

Sir J. Griģģ

On the question of losing a day's leave, if my hon, and gallant Friend will study the answer I gave to Question 17, which included an answer to his Question 40, he will see that it will not arise in future.

38. Mr. Lipson

asked the Secretary of State for War why landing craft tanks, which are taking food to Europe, are returning empty and are hot used to bring back men on leave and so increase the number of men who could enjoy home leave.

Sir J. Griģģ

These vessels are built and are being used to take vehicles to the Continent. If they brought men back to this country it is not clear how the men would get back when their leave was over. The vessels are small and uncomfortable and cannot sail regularly.