HC Deb 17 October 1945 vol 414 c1178W
Mr. Lipson

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he is aware that members of 39 Squadron, R.A.F., after serving in North Africa, Sardinia and Italy for three years, have now been sent without home leave to the Middle East though home leave had been promised them; and what he proposes to do to see that the promise given is kept.

Mr. Strachey

Misunderstanding may have arisen owing to the different home-leave regulations in force in the commands where No. 39 Squadron has been serving. But we hope that it may become possible to introduce a uniform scheme for home leave throughout the Air Force Commands in the Mediterranean and Middle East. I am making inquiries into this case and will communicate with the hon. Member.

Mr. Daggar

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is now in a position to announce that airmen stationed at Gibraltar shall be given the same home leave as those members of the C.M.F. or preferably, as those troops serving in Europe.

Mr. Strachey

No, Sir. Transport difficulties prevent this. But airmen who have served a tour in Gibraltar have a reduction made in their total overseas tour, and I hope that it will shortly be possible to make a further improvement for them.