HC Deb 22 November 1917 vol 99 cc1377-9W
Mr. WING

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if, in transferring men from one regiment to another, he will take care that soldiers do not suffer in case of their leave, which was perhaps almost due in their original regiment?

Mr. MACPHERSON

Yes, Sir. I am assured by the military authorities in France that every effort is made to ensure that, when men are transferred from one regiment to another, they do not suffer in the matter of their leave. The system is that the date on which a man last quitted this country is entered in his pay book. Every month a return is called for of men who have served overseas continuously for certain periods. The daily capacity of the leave boats is divided among formations in accordance with the figures contained in the monthly return. The allotment to formations is similarly subdivided. The claim of the soldier to leave, therefore, rests not on the period of service with a unit, but on the period of service overseas as shown in his pay book.

Mr. CHANCELLOR

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the Army Council Instruction to officers not to refuse leave to soldiers who exercise their statutory right to refuse inoculation or vaccination is still being disregarded; whether on 13th October, and other occasions since, the officer commanding the 5th Southern Company, Non-Combatant Corps, Red Barracks, Weymouth, informed ten applicants that no leave would be granted to those refusing inoculation, and those refusing vaccination would have no leave until every vaccinated and inoculated man had had it; and will he instruct this officer to obey the Instruction forthwith?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I have called for a Report on this matter, and will communicate with my hon. Friend later.

Mr. T. WILSON

asked whether a man who was a member of the Territorial Force at the outbreak of war, and who was mobilised in August, 1914, and whose period of service has expired, is entitled to a month's furlough; and, if so, whether he is entitled to such furlough immediately his period of services at an end?

Mr. MACPHERSON

The men referred to are eligible for one month's furlough at the discretion of the General Officer Commanding, provided that military exigencies permit and transport is available.

Mr. CROOKS

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether special efforts can be made to grant leave this Christmas to all soldiers who have been on active service for a considerable time without leave and who were absent from their homes last Christmas and the Christmas before that?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I fully explained in Debate on the 31st October the improved arrangements which have been made with regard to leave, and I am afraid, having regard to the present situation at the front, it is quite impossible for the Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief to extend these facilities or allow any special concessions at Christmas.

Mr. RENDALL

asked whether it is the intention of the Army Council to arrange that men who have been at the front since 1914 without rest at the base or in hospital and have had in many cases only twenty days' leave during the whole time shall be transferred behind the lines and allowed such a change of occupation as is necessary if their health is not to be impaired?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I am afraid that the present situation as regards manpower does not admit of giving prolonged rest or change of occupation to any men, whatever their length of service abroad, who are still fit for active duties with their units. Those who are not fit for duty for any reason are sent to the Base, or home, according to the requirements of each individual case.

Sir CHARLES HENRY

asked if arrangements can be made for those officers and men who have been wounded in the campaign in Palestine and have been away from this country for a year and over before returning to their regiments to have leave and be in a position to spend it in this country?

Mr. MACPHERSON

Having in view the difficulties of transport, I am afraid it is not possible for the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief in this theatre of war to grant leave to a greater extent than is already done.