§ Lord H. CAVENDISH - BENTINCKasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the possibility of arranging that men who in civil life were in charge of single-handed businesses shall have more frequent week-end leave when stationed in home training camps, in order that the complete disorganisation of their businesses may be averted?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONCommanding officers are empowered to grant leave in exceptional circumstances. subject, of course, to the exigencies of the Service and training. I am afraid it is not desir- 681W able to issue any instructions which would appear to give preferential treatment to any particular class of hard cases, but I am sure sympathetic consideration is given to cases such as those mentioned by my hon. Friend in his question.
§ Mr. ELLIS DAVIESasked the Undersecretary of State for War whether a large number of troops in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers coming from Ireland on their way to France on the 7th instant, after having in vain appealed for leave, which had been granted to other troops similarly placed, protested at Holy head against their treatment and were punished; whether he will have an inquiry as to why leave was refused the men; and will he see that Welsh troops are so treated as not to leave them under the impression, in the matter of leave, that they are not given the same privileges as those of other nationalities?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI am having inquiries made, and will communicate with ray hon. Friend as soon as possible.