HC Deb 02 November 1943 vol 393 c536W
Sir H. Williams

asked the Secretary of State for War the reason for the difference in practice between the Army and the R.A.F. in respect of home leave; and why it is that in the Army this is only granted after six years' foreign service whereas in the R.A.F. it is granted after three years' service; and is he prepared to consider making a change?

Sir J. Grigg

As I have stated in answer to a number of Questions recently every effort is being made to bring home those officers and men who have been abroad for long periods. We are now bringing back those who have been abroad for six years and as soon as our resources and the military situation permit I hope to reduce this qualifying period to five years or less. The disparity between the Army and R.A.F. practice in regard to the duration of the tour of service overseas is due to the differences in operational, technical and administrative conditions between the two Services.