HC Deb 12 November 1917 vol 99 cc44-5W
Mr. CROOKS

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there are a number of men in S Battery, Royal Horse Artillery, Mesopotamia, who have been in India and Mesopotamia for the last nine years and have never had any furlough; whether he is also aware that a number of comrades of these men have succumbed owing to their continued residence in these climates; and whether he will consider the possibility of bringing these men, of whom there are now more than about thirty, home to England in order that their health may be recuperated and that they may again see their families?

Mr. MACPHERSON

The particulars given by my right hon. Friend are not known in the War Office. In view, however, of the necessity of utilising the services of all available fit men, I am afraid that it is not possible to adopt my right hon. Friend's suggestion.

Mr. BILLING

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if any definite system exists on which men are granted leave from the Western Front; and whether he is aware that there are married men who have, been on active service in France since the early days of the War and have have had no leave for nearly two years?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I can add nothing to what I said in Debate on this subject on 31st October.