§ Mr. CROOKSasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there is a number of men in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps at. Kantara, Egypt, who have been on continuous service for over twenty-five months without leave to the United Kingdom; whether these men are not entitled to leave until they have completed thirty months' unbroken overseas service; and whether lie can give any promise that these men will either be demobilised or granted leave of absence at the earliest moment.?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThere is no definite period of service to qualify for leave to England. Leave is granted in all cases according to roster and as circumstances permit. The men referred to are no doubt receiving equal treatment with those of other arms serving in Egypt. All men who have not volunteered for the Armies of Occupation are now eligible for demobilisation and will be released as early as practicable under the instructions now in force.
§ Brigadier-General SURTEESasked the Secretary of State for War v.-hat probability there is of men of the 1/4th Essex Regiment now in Egypt who have completed two years' foreign service being granted leave to England?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe grant of leave to the troops serving in Egypt rests with the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief. I may say, however, that every effort is made to grant leave as liberally as possible, compatible with shipping requirements and the numbers coining home for demobilisation.