§ Sir FORTESCUE FLANNERYasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the concession previously announced as to refunding railway fares whilst going on leave will apply to the (active service) battalion of the 5th Essex Regiment; and whether additional leave with fares paid can be granted to the men of the 5th battalion (active service), seeing that only three days' leave has been granted to any of them in comparison with five days' leave customary in other battalions?
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Mr. BAKERThe answer to the first part of the hon. Baronet's question is in the affirmative. As regards the latter part, the duration of leave is at the General Officer Commanding's discretion and subject to military exigencies, and the concession of a free warrant is limited to one furlough.
§ Mr. WILESasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, having regard to the personal sacrifices made by married men, often with young families, who have joined the New Army, he will consider the advisability of giving greater facilities for men serving at home to have week-end railway passes in order that they can better keep in touch with their private affairs?
§ Mr. STEEL-MAITLANDasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he will endeavour to arrange that soldiers on leave visiting their families should travel on the same terms as railway servants, namely, by payment of one quarter of the ordinary fare?
Mr. BAKERWhile fully appreciating the sacrifices which many married men are making by enlisting, I regret that in the present state of railway traffic it is impossible to extend to them any further concessions of travelling at reduced fares. Like their unmarried comrades they already enjoy the privilege of travelling at single fare for the double journey, and in addition may, subject to military exigencies, take one free journey to their homes after three months' service or if under orders to go abroad.