HC Deb 19 June 1951 vol 489 cc216-7
14. Mr. Remnant

asked the Secretary of State for War why National Service men in British Army of the Rhine are not allowed the free travel vouchers for local leave which are granted to Regular soldiers, in addition to the two United Kingdom vouchers.

Mr. Strachey

Leave rules for Regular soldiers and National Service men in Germany are on a different basis. Regular soldiers who are entitled to a total of three free warrants a year may take local leave in addition to up to two home leaves a year. National Service men do not receive local leave in addition to home leave. Under current rules they may, however, take local leave together with free travel warrants within the four authorised for their whole-time service if they are not entitled to home leave, or if they do not wish to come home.

Mr. Remnant

That is rather an involved statement which I find difficult to absorb. Could it be made clear to the National Service man that he is entitled to two home leaves and a free voucher, but not to one free leave voucher in addition?

Mr. Strachey

I will gladly try to make the position clear. We are not denying that there is an advantage to the Regular.