§ Mr. Kirbyasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will discontinue the Army practice of counting as privilege leave the whole or part of compassionate leave granted to soldiers for the purpose of attending the funerals of near relatives?
§ Mr. A. HendersonIt is essential that not more than 10 per cent. of the men in a unit should be away at one time. Under the present system the grant of seven days' compassionate leave to a man does not cancel his next period of privilege leave but it postpones it. He does in effect receive more leave in a given period than. a man who is not granted compassionate leave. My hon. Friend's proposal would result in postponing the leave of other men and I do not consider its adoption would be justified?