HC Deb 22 July 1952 vol 504 cc256-7
13. Major Legge-Bourke

asked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements he has made to enable British troops in the Canal Zone to take their leave in Cyprus.

Mr. Head

A special summer leave scheme has been started to allow those who have served six months or more in Egypt, and still have six months to serve in the theatre, to take 10 days' leave in Cyprus or, provided their families are there, in Libya. Travel in both cases is free.

The scheme includes Regulars and National Service men and their families, and the leave camps in Cyprus have been improved and extended to make conditions there as good as possible.

Major Legge-Bourke

While welcoming that reply, may I ask what free passes in the way of travel are issued and whether my right hon. Friend will give the assurance that this form of leave will never be regarded as a substitute for leave to the United Kingdom?

Mr. Head

This is purely local leave, and all this leave is free.