§ Mr. Goldieasked the Secretary of State for War whether, consistent with Service requirements, he will arrange for the early return to this country of military personnel who have served continuously overseas for a period exceeding four years.
§ Sir J. GriggI am anxious to reduce the present qualifying period of five years, but I much regret that owing to difficulties of manpower and shipping there is no immediate prospect of such a reduction.
§ Mr. Hutchinsonasked the Secretary of State for War the period of overseas service which is now regarded as qualifying soldiers for transfer to a home station; and whether the period is the same in the R.N. and the R.A.F.
§ Sir J. GriggThe answer to the first part of the Question is five years. I understand that in the other Services the period is in general lower.