83. Mr. Patonasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he is aware that men in the R.A.F., posted to the M.E.F. area from the C.M.F. area while shortly due for home leave, find on their arrival in the M.E.F. area that there is no home leave scheme in operation there and are, therefore, being denied the home leave to which they are entitled; and will he take steps to remedy this.
§ Mr. StracheyWe have recently consulted the Air Commander-in-Chief, who tells us that there is a strong feeling among airmen in the Middle East Command that no leave scheme should be introduced there which might in any way hinder the 1328 repatriation of those who have completed their overseas tour, or those who are due for release. Therefore, while I am sorry that we have not yet been able to set up a uniform scheme for home leave throughout the distant Commands of the Air Force, I think that for the time being we are right to start reducing the maximum period overseas, rather than to aggravate the existing difficulties arising from the shortage of manpower and transport, by starting a home leave scheme for this Command. We shall, of course, do all we can to make further improvements as soon as the present special problems have been overcome.
Mr. PatonIs it not possible to remove the injustice which is complained of, by making sure that men who are within a short time of their home leave in the C.M.F. are not posted until after they have had their home leave?
§ Mr. StracheyI know the matter to which the hon. Member refers, and it is one of great difficulty. 1 will look into it, but I cannot guarantee that what he suggests is possible.