§ 27. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Secretary of State for War how many men serving in the Middle East Land Forces are being called upon to serve a period of three and a half years in that command, without leave in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. StracheyAuthority for retention overseas beyond three years is delegated to the overseas command. I understand that on 1st January, 1950, General Headquarters, Middle East Land Forces, had authorised the compulsory retention of some 70 men. Since that date these cases have been reviewed and I anticipate that there will have been a substantial reduction in their numbers.