HC Deb 25 March 1947 vol 435 cc1058-9
19. Mr. Geoffrey Cooper

asked the Secretary of State for War the length of the tour overseas which is served by our Forces stationed in Japan.

Mr. Bellenger

Non-Regular soldiers are still serving under Python rules, which make them eligible for repatriation after three years. The postwar overseas tour for Regular Army personnel is now three to three-and-a-half years. This period may be served in more than one overseas station, and not necessarily exclusively in Japan.

Mr. Cooper

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the disparity between the British Forces and the Dominion Forces, who serve alongside of them? Will he give the matter further consideration to see if anything can be done to make their position similar?

Mr. Bellenger

I do not think the conditions are similar as between the British Forces and the Dominion Forces, but I can hold out no hope of a reduction in this period at the moment.

Mr. Cooper

Does it not seem rather unfair to our men, who see the Dominion Forces going home in two years' time instead of three?