§ 14. Mr. Edelmanasked the Secretary of State for War whether, when the peace treaty with Italy is signed, troops now stationed in that country will be granted United Kingdom leave before reposting abroad.
§ Mr. J. FreemanNot necessarily, Sir. Some men with only a short time still to serve will be posted to this country. Others will be posted according to our requirements and the time they still have left before qualifying for repatriation or 958 release. Some may pass through this country on their way to other theatres and receive leave here, but this will not always be the case.
§ Mr. EdelmanIn order to mark the somewhat unobserved Treaty of Peace with Italy, will my hon. Friend consider giving special leave to certain men who have served for long periods?
§ Mr. FreemanNo, Sir. There are already arrangements whereby men who have had long service overseas in those circumstances can get leave, and I do not think that it would be an appropriate way to mark the peace.