§ Mr. Nieldasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air (1) why 114 Squadron, recently withdrawn from Italy after serving overseas for some three years, has been transferred to a command in which no scheme for home leave obtains; if he is aware that these men have had no home leave although it has been promised; what steps he is taking to remedy this grievance; and how many other squadrons have been similarly treated;
(2) if he is yet able to state whether a scheme for home leave for personnel of the R.A.F. serving in the Middle East 566W has been formulated, and the arrangements thereunder.
§ Mr. StracheyThis transfer was made as part of the redeployment of the Royal Air Force. I am extremely sorry that some of the men of this squadron have been disappointed in their hopes of home leave. We hope to hear before long from R.A.F. Headquarters in Italy whether they can arrange to give home leave to airmen who are eligible in the Central Mediterranean Forces if they are likely to be moving to the Middle East. I have already explained to the House the very real difficulties we have to overcome before we can arrange home leave from the Middle East Command, and I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the detailed replies I have given.