§ Mr. SUMMERSBYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty the periods of service without home leave of the lower ranks in the Royal Navy at overseas stations in the Mediterranean; and whether leave to visit their homes can be given to these men every year?
Sir B. EYRES MONSELLThe normal period of service on the Mediterranean Station is two and a-half years. In exceptional cases this may be extended to three years, but it is more frequently reduced for Service reasons to less than two and a-half years. It would be impracticable to grant leave to the United Kingdom to these men every year, as it would immobilise the ships in which they were serving. They are, however, given 10 days drafting leave at home before proceeding on foreign service, and also special leave should their ships come home to refit or recommission.