§ 46. Mr. Sidney Shephardasked the Minister of Defence how much leave will normally be granted during the 18 months military service of National Service men.
§ The Minister of Defence (Mr. A. V. Alexander)In the Army and R.A.F., National Service men who serve in this country for the full 18-month period of whole-time service will normally get 21 days' leave. Those who serve partly in North-West Europe will normally get a total of 28 days, at home and abroad, including embarkation leave. Those who serve partly abroad other than in North-West Europe will normally get a total of 35 days, at home and abroad, including embarkation leave. Owing to the special circumstances of service in the Royal Navy, National Service men will be granted leave under the same conditions as regulars. As already announced, National Service men will be granted 18 days' leave at the end of their whole-time service.
§ Major Legge-BourkeIs the right hon. Gentleman laying down any rules for granting home leave for those who are serving in Germany, according to the length of time that they have been there?
§ Mr. AlexanderThat question had better be put in detail to the Service Ministers. It is intended that the figures which I have given should be overall figures.
§ Mr. ChetwyndCan my right hon. Friend say how the 21 days' leave for people at home will be broken up, and whether it will be seven days every six months?
§ Mr. AlexanderIt will vary here and there. It is usual to give seven days' leave at the end of the basic training, and the subsequent leave is divided according to whether the men concerned are posted to home or overseas stations.