§ Mr. WILKIEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that discontent exists among the men at the front with regard to the question of leave; whether officers at corps headquarters receive a period of leave once in every three months and officers up the line leave once in five months, whilst the average for the rank and file is well over twelve months; whether he is aware that in the French Army the leave for officers and men is given on the same basis; and whether he will consider the possibility of more equal treatment, especially in the case of those men who have been with the forces since 1914?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI have ascertained from General Headquarters in France that Staff and regimental officers receive leave1736W every three or five months, according to the tactical situation. Men are now averaging less than ten months. Clerks average six months, which is necessary for health. The situation is not comparable to that of the French, as shipping is a ruling factor with us. I am informed that no discontent exists among the men on the leave question.