§ Captain D. HALLasked the Undersecretary of State for War whether he is aware that officers and men belonging to the Dover garrison have been and still are refused leave prior to proceeding overseas; if he will state the grounds of this prohibition; and whether he is aware that the restrictions is causing much discontent in the garrison and among their friends?
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§ Mr. MACPHERSONAs explained by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, in his speech on the 9th instant, the situation in France has rendered it necessary to suspend the usual leave granted to officers and men prior to their proceeding overseas. As pointed out to those affected, personal considerations had to give way to the vital importance of immediate reinforcements for our troops fighting in France, and I am sure that the officers and men fully appreciate that the military authorities had no alternative but to take such a step. I hope that the circumstances may admit of short draft-leave being granted in the near future.