HC Deb 03 April 1917 vol 92 c1131W
Major NEWMAN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will cause inquiry to be made into the case of Private Rixon, Mo. 45767, 15th Infantry Labour Company, Royal West Surrey Regiment, British Expeditionary Force, France, who was classed C 1, joined the West Surrey Regiment, Labour Company, at Mill Hill on 22nd February, and was sent to France on 13th March without further medical examination, and was further refused draft leave before embarkation?

Mr. MACPHERSON

As this man was classified C 1, he was eligible to proceed to France with a. labour company, and there would not appear to have been any occasion for further medical examination. I would remind my hon. and gallant friend that leave is a privilege and not a right. Draft leave is given wherever possible, but military exigencies may render it impossible. I have no information as to the particular case referred to in the question.