HC Deb 20 July 1916 vol 84 cc1222-3W
Sir A. MARKHAM

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps are being taken, if any, to grant leave to officers and men serving with the forces at Salonika, seeing that a number of them went to Salonika from France and have not received any leave since they left this country?

Mr. FORSTER

Full discretion has been given to the Commanders-in-Chief of the distant theatres of war to give leave to officers and men if and whenever they can see their way to spare them, but the circumstances are such and the distances so great that leave can, of course, only be granted in exceptional circumstances, and there can be no question, I think, of allowing a fixed percentage of the strength to be constantly away on leave.