HC Deb 27 March 1945 vol 409 cc1293-5
19. Mr. T. J. Brooks

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will consider deducting from a soldier's term of service overseas, who does not get his leave home to this country, a period of three or four months, such as is now in operation in the R. A. F.

Sir J. Griģģ

I am informed that my hon. Friend is mistaken about the practice in the R.A.F. He suggests, in effect, that the periods of continuous overseas service which qualify for repatriation to this country should be reduced. In announcing the leave scheme on 17th November the Prime Minister made it clear that it was an addition to the repatriation scheme with which it would not interfere.

Mr. Brooks

If it takes from three or four months for these men to take leave in this country, what objection is there to doing what is suggested in this Question? Why should not a man who is not able to get his leave have some time deducted from his period of overseas service? I am informed that in the Royal Air Force a preference is given to the men.

Sir J. Griģģ

I am informed that the hon. Member's information is incorrect.

30. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is satisfied that his regulations upon which leave is given at home and abroad are being fairly and uniformly applied in all units; what is the maximum service abroad that has to be served before leave home is granted; and when it is hoped to reduce the overseas service before leave is granted.

Sir J. Griģģ

I have nothing at present to add to the many statements I have made on these subjects in the last months.

38. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Secretary of State for War when a certain battalion of a regiment, of which he has been informed, was sent abroad, when did they leave India and Burma; what leave have they had; and if it is intended to retain their services at home in view of their long service abroad.

Sir J. Griģģ

I assume my hon. Friend is referring to individual men of a battalion of the regiment whose name he has sent me, who were repatriated to this country after long continuous service abroad. Without details of the men concerned, it is impossible to say when they left India. They should have had 28 days' leave on arrival, and they will be kept in this country for at least three months. They are then liable to be sent to the B.L.A.