72. Mr. Garry Alliģhanasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that B.A.O.R. personnel have been granted permission to spend their summer leave in Venice, but are required to pay their own fares; and whether, as the Army provides free travel for men to travel home on leave in this country, he will arrange a similar concession for B.A.O.R. personnel.
Mr. BellenģerFree leave travel for B.A.O.R. personnel at the rate of two journeys a year is allowed to this country or to certain approved leave centres on the Continent. Venice is not at present one of these approved leave centres to which free travel is allowed, because of its distance from the British Zone of occupation in Germany.
Mr. AlliģhanWill the Minister explain why he has arrived at that decision, in view of the fact that men in this country travel on British railways at Army expense, whereas the Army run the travel service to Venice, in which case there should be no charge at all?
Mr. BellenģerI have told the hon. Member what is the position at present. I certainly-think the matter wants inquiring into further, and I shall do so.