§ 15. Mr. Vaughan-Morganasked the Secretary of State for War how many of the recent draft of the 1st Battalion East Surrey Regiment, who embarked for overseas service, had not had embarkation leave before their departure.
§ Mr. StracheyNone, Sir.
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I can give him the name of at least one Service man who has not had any? Is he further aware that as a result of the intervention of my hon. Friend the Member for Wembley, South (Mr. Russell) and myself 17 men were removed from a draft at the very last moment, and are being flown out now, because they had no leave at all during their military service?
§ Mr. StracheyI shall be glad if the hon. Gentleman will give me the name of the soldier who was denied embarkation leave, because I am advised there is no such case.
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganWill the right hon. Gentleman make it a personal matter to look into these cases?
§ Mr. Strachey indicated assent.
§ Mr. LlewellynCan the right hon. Gentleman say how many days of embarkation leave these troops have had and if all get exactly the same amount?
§ Mr. StracheyNo, Sir. This was a draft which was sent out as a matter of some urgency owing to the losses suffered by the Gloucestershire Regiment and some of them had shortened periods of embarkation leave. It varied in each case.
§ Mr. LlewellynCan the right hon. Gentlemen say was the minimum amount of leave these men had?