HC Deb 26 March 1946 vol 421 c190
23. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he intends to reduce the tour of overseas service for men serving in C.M.F.

Mr. Lawson

As the hon. Member will be aware, I announced on 14th March that the Python period for C.M.F. is being reduced from four years to three years nine months.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House why, now that land communications are open in this theatre, it is necessary for there to be so large a discrimination between the treatment of troops here and in B.A.O.R.?

Mr. Lawson

One has to take into consideration the numbers, coining and going, as well as distances.

44. Mr. York

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the period of overseas service of the Middle East and Malta Commands is still, in practice, four years; when he anticipates that the period will be reduced to his promised three years and four months; and whether he is aware that the R.A.F. has recently reduced their period of overseas service.

Mr. Lawson

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement I made to the House on 14th March.