§ Mr. BROOKESasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether general leave has now been resumed among the British troops serving in the Western Front?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONAt present the military situation on the Western Front only admits of leave being granted to a limited number of troops.
§ Mr. BROOKESasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether it is possible to grant leave in the case of a number of men in the Balkans. Egypt, and Palestine who have not been home for over or nearly three years, more especially since some of them have now come back to France and are still there?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONAs I have frequently explained, the facilities for transportation govern the limitation of all leave granted to troops serving in Egypt and Salonika. I can, however, assure my hon. Friend that everything possible, consistent with the military situation, is being done to increase the numbers to whom leave is granted. As regards the men who have been sent to France, my hon. Friend will realise that the military exigencies of the moment necessarily allow only a limited number of troops being given leave, but, as soon as opportunity permits, I am sure the Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief will give every consideration to those who have had long service in other theatres of war and who are now serving on the Western Front.