HC Deb 29 May 1946 vol 423 cc1136-7
16. Mr. Stokes

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty on what grounds compassionate leave is refused to serving men to come home to see dying parents merely because they have brothers or sisters already at home; and whether he is satisfied that this policy is fair both to the parents and to the man.

Mr. Dugdale

Until this year compassionate leave to visit parents who are seriously ill was not granted in the Royal Navy except in very rare cases. This rule has now, however, been altered so as to allow leave in cases where no other son or daughter is available. It has been adopted by all three Services in fairness to men due to return to the United Kingdom and other compassionate cases, such as the illness of a wife. The number of cases of serious illness of parents is large, and if the rule were extended to cover every such case, considerable difficulties would occur both in manning the Fleet and in providing passages. I will, however, consult my Service colleagues with a view to seeing whether any relaxation is possible.

Mr. Stokes

Is my hon. Friend aware that the case to which he knows I specifically refer is that of a mother who has several sons serving, who is dying of cancer, and who is prevented from seeing her sons—whom she has not seen for a long time—wholly on account of this arbitrary rule of the Admiralty? Will he please have that rule changed so that the boys can come home?

Mr. Dugdale

I have said I will look into the matter in consultation with the other Service Ministers.