§ 20. Sir Wavell Wakefieldasked the Secretary of State for War if he is now in a position to state if Army personnel under contract with Pakistan will receive their entitlements under the General Mobilisation Order, 1939, namely, 56 days' release leave and one day's leave for every month served overseas either in March, 1949, or at the end of their respective contracts with Pakistan.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe release scheme, under which?56 days? release leave and overseas service leave are granted, will come to an end on 31st March, 1949. After that date it will be exceptional for an officer to continue to serve on an emergency commission. Any officers who are allowed or obliged to do so will keep the right to release benefits, unless in the meantime they take short service or permanent Regular commissions.
§ Sir W. WakefieldDoes that mean that those officers and other ranks who are serving in Pakistan, if their contract with Pakistan has not run out by March, will be entitled to these various entitlements for previous service?
§ Mr. ShinwellI have stated what it means, and it seems to me to meet the views of the hon. Member.
§ Sir W. WakefieldIf these personnel are in fact to be able to receive the entitlements to which they are entitled, it will be received with great satisfaction; but I do hope that the right hon. Gentleman's answer does mean that, because if they do not get the entitlement there will be a very real sense of grievance.