§ 60. Sir I. Fraserasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the high proportion of young National Service men in the Army, he is satisfied that everything possible has been done to ensure that the maximum number of them will be able to spend Christmas on leave with their families.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for War (Mr. Michael Stewart)Yes. It is provided that four days' leave at Christmas may be granted to all soldiers in the United Kingdom who can be spared from duty, and it is customary for units to 1530 arrange their work so that only essential duties have to be carried out during this period. Soldiers who cannot be granted leave at Christmas may receive a similar period of leave over the New Year. These regulations apply to Regular soldiers and National Service men alike.
§ Sir I. FraserCan the Under-Secretary of State estimate what proportion of Regulars and National Service men will get leave?
§ Mr. StewartI cannot give an exact estimate, but it will be a considerable number.
§ Mr. D. MarshallMay I ask the Minister, in view of his answer, whether any extra warrant will be granted to men having to travel long distances?
§ Mr. StewartNo, Sir.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanWill the Minister assure the House that for Scots regiments leave will be granted at the New Year instead of at Christmas?
§ Mr. StewartIn Scotland the position will be the reverse of what I have described for the rest of the Kingdom.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanNot only in Scotland but for units outwith Scotland?
§ Major Legge-BourkeWould the hon. Gentleman enlarge on that statement and say what is happening to troops stationed in Europe and Tripolitania?
§ Mr. StewartThat is another question.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesWill the Scots in Hong Kong get an extra ration of Christmas pudding because they cannot go home?