HC Deb 25 June 1958 vol 590 cc401-2
12. Mr. McAdden

asked the Minister of Defence if he has yet completed his examination of the question whether Service men who are granted compassionate leave should have their normal leave reduced.

Mr. Sandys

Yes, Sir. It has been decided that in all cases the grant of compassionate leave shall, in future, not be allowed to affect entitlement to normal leave.

Mr. McAdden

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this is the first Question which he has had to answer today from this side of the House? Is he aware that the Answer is extremely satisfactory and will be welcomed on all sides of the House? Does it not show that in pursuing a practice which is in accordance with the best practice in industry, my right hon. Friend is a progressive and forward-looking Minister whom the House should be pleased to congratulate?

Mr. Sandys

I am overwhelmed.

Mr. J. Paton

Is the Minister aware of the deep sense of grievance among some of the parents of the boys who have been airlifted to Cyprus that they were not given the normal embarkation leave? Is he aware that there is a feeling of great inequality about this matter, since the members of the Brigade of Guards apparently had four days embarkation leave before they were sent abroad? Will the Minister see that these inequalities do not recur?

Mr. Ellis Smith

Shower your compliments now!

Mr. Sandys

I do not think there will be any sense of grievance about the reply I have given, which, of course, dealt with an entirely different point from that raised by the hon. Member for Norwich, North (Mr. J. Paton).