§ Mr. THOMASasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction existing in consequence of the method of granting leave of absence to soldiers at the front; whether he is aware that many men have been abroad for a period of over two years without leave, whilst others have received leave on many occasions during this period; and whether, having regard to these facts, he will endeavour to arrange with the Commander-in-Chief that leave shall be given first to those who have not yet received any, and adopt a system of equality of treatment in this matter to all?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI cannot at present add anything to the numerous answers which I have given on this subject, but I have asked that special consideration should be given to the soldiers specified in the question.