HC Deb 08 May 1919 vol 115 cc1133-4W
Captain BROWN

asked the Secretary of State for War if arrangements have been made to ensure the granting of home leave to all men serving with the Salonika Forces (including those attached to the Serbian Forces) who have been absent continuously from this country for eighteen months or more; and if it is possible to transfer such men to the Home forces or to the Army of the Rhine, where the facilities for visiting their families can be more readily granted?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I am afraid I can add nothing to the statement which I made on Tuesday last regarding arrangements for the relief, and the provision of leave, for all troops in the East.

Mr. RENDALL

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there are soldiers in the Army of Occupation in Egypt who have spent at least two and a half years on Eastern foreign service with no home leave, and who now believe they will under the new Conscription Act have to stay abroad for another year; and can he say that such men will be given leave in the immediate future and will not be returned to Egypt?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I would refer my hon. Friend to my statement in reply to questions on this subject on Tuesday last, in which I explained fully the policy governing the relief and arrangements for leave for men serving in the East.