Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTasked the Under-Secretary for War whether, on 22nd July, in the Troon Camp, an attempt was made to compel the men of the 7th Battalion Highland Light Infantry Territorials to do fifteen days' training instead of eight by refusing them their train tickets, although many of them were compelled by the exigencies of their employment to return to work; whether any threats were used to the men; and whether any instructions have been issued to the commanding officer not to grant leave to men who have 2230W reasonable excuse after eight days' training, or whether any other instructions with regard to exemption have been issued?
§ Colonel SEELYThese men are liable under the statute to fifteen days' training, but 300 men applied to return home at the expiration of eight days' training. The commanding officer, in the exercise of his discretion under the Regulations, at first refused to grant leave, but subsequently permitted them to go. No threats were used to the men. No instructions have been issued to commanding officers to withhold leave from men who have a valid reason for asking for leave after eight days' training.