§ Mr. MORRELLasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that many cases have lately occurred of soldiers, after a long period of training in this country, being sent directly to the front without obtaining any leave of absence; and whether he will endeavour to arrange that, unless in cases of exceptional emergency, a few days' leave is given to every soldier before he joins the Forces at the front?
§ Mr. TENNANTSoldiers are given leave as far as possible before they proceed abroad, though it has not always been possible to do this where a unit has been put under orders suddenly. Further proposals are, however, being considered with 2293W a view to minimising the chance of soldiers not getting leave before the draft is put under orders.
§ Sir WILLIAM PEARCEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will arrange a short holiday at home for dockers and stevedores from the Port of London Authority serving with the British Expeditionary Force in France, some of whom have been away since October last?
§ Mr. TENNANTAs I have before stated, the grant of leave is a matter within the discretion of the Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief, and it would not be desirable to make recommendations to him in favour of particular individuals or groups of men.