HC Deb 11 November 1919 vol 121 cc249-50W
Mr. WATERSON

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private H. Jones, No. 39624, 1/4th Northants, Egyptian Expeditionary Force, Egypt, attested in June, 1916; that no leave has been given him for twenty-three months; and that he has been transferred to another regiment without his consent; and when may his release be expected?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I am afraid I can add nothing to the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend on Tuesday last, except that, owing to the present unrest in Egypt, a definite date cannot be given when. Private Jones will be sent home.

Major PRESCOTT

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state how many quartermasters are attached to the Royal Army Medical Corps in Egypt who have been overseas four and a-half years without leave to the United Kingdom, how. many of them had their wives and families with them; whether any of these quartermasters have had more than one leave to the United Kingdom within the period referred to; in what proportion they are being given leave at the present time in the Army of Occupation and Regulars; whether there any quartermasters attached to the Regulars who have not left England during the War; and, if so, whether it is proposed to send any of them to Egypt to relieve the temporary men?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Inquiries are being; made regarding the first tour parts of the question, and my hon. and gallant Friend will be informed of the results as soon as possible. As regards the last two parts of the question, there are a certain number of quartermasters who have not left England during the War, but the majority of them are unfit for service abroad. All the temporary quartermasters in Egypt, will be relieved as quickly as possible.