HC Deb 20 December 1961 vol 651 cc1336-8
14. Mr. Thorpe

asked the Secretary of State for War what are the regulations relating to granting of compassionate leave for active Service men abroad in the event of the death of their parents or other near relatives.

Mr. Profumo

Compassionate leave with travel at public expense may be granted to officers and other ranks on the imminent death or dangerous illness of a spouse, child, parent or other recorded next of kin. For those serving outside the United Kingdom and North-West Europe, compassionate leave is not normally granted on the death of such relatives unless there are special circumstances which make the soldier's presence at home necessary.

Mr. Thorpe

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on 30th October his Under-Secretary said that compassionate leave would be granted only in order to make funeral arrangements or if there were other exceptional circumstances? Is it not possible for the Service Departments to take a slightly more humane and compassionate view of these questions? Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that, however many dependants there may be, a soldier whose father, mother or wife dies while he is abroad should be allowed to come home to attend the funeral and be with his family at this time? Will not he look into this matter again, to see whether it is possible to take a more humane view?

Mr. Profumo

I understand the views of the hon. Member. I can only say that each case which comes to my attention, or to the attention of my Department, is considered on its merits. The rules to which I have referred have been enforced for many years, under the Administrations of both parties, and I cannot hold out any hope that I can relax the general rules, which I believe to be flexible enough for us to be able to administer them in a humane way.

Mr. Thorpe

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is quite clearly stated that the only two cases in which a Service man serving abroad can return are to make funeral arrangements or if there are exceptional circumstances? Is he further aware that, in the case to which I have referred, the fact that there was another brother and sister meant, in the view of the War Office, that there were no exceptional circumstances? Surely the rule is far too rigid.

Mr. Profumo

As I have said, each case is considered on its merits. By and large, in stations outside the United Kingdom or in B.A.O.R.—which is regarded as a United Kingdom station—these are the general rules which have pertained for a very long time. I can give the hon. Member an undertaking that I will have another look at the matter, but I do not want to hold out any hope that there will be a change in the general rules, which I believe are right.

Mr. Driberg

Should not the right hon. Gentleman at least look again at the position in B.A.O.R.? It may he quite difficult for men to get home from there at their own expense.

Mr. Profumo

The B.A.O.R. arrangements are the same as for home stations, and are different from those in respect of which the hon. Member for Devon, North (Mr. Thorpe) put down his Question. When the hon. Gentleman reads my answer he will see that there is a difference between home stations and overseas stations. I have given an undertaking to look into the point referred to in the hon. Member's question, and if the hon. Member for Barking (Mr. Driberg) has another Question to ask me perhaps he will put it down.

Mr. Thorpe

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the answer, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.