HC Deb 11 April 1918 vol 104 cc1664-5W
Mr. FERENS

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if many of the men serving in the forces in Palestine have had no home leave or two years; and, if so, will he take steps to grant them furlough as early as possible?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I would refer my right hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on the 27th February last to my hon. And gallant Friend the Member for Torquay, of which I am sending him a copy.

Sir F. FLANNERY

asked the Undersecretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the case of soldiers now in Mesopotamia who have been serving continuously and without leave since August, 1914; and whether the War Office can institute some system of leave, which would enable men to return home temporarily after a maximum period of active service?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for South Somerset on the 5th March last, of which I am sending him a copy. I am sure he will appreciate "the very great difficulties at the present time in the way of providing transport facilities.