§ Captain CARR-GOMMasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will make some inquiry into the case of Driver Bentley, No. 10574, Royal Field Artillery, British Expeditionary Force, France, whose leave was stated to be due about the end of April, and who is still waiting for it, although he has only had one period of seven days' leave since he went to France at the commencement of hostilities in 1914?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI am afraid I cannot take any special action in this case. As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware,1470W owing to the military situation in France, leave has practically ceased, but when it recommences, no doubt special consideration will be shown in cases such as the one referred to.
§ Sir EDWARD COATESasked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will favourably consider the case of granting home leave in the case of married men serving east of Suez who have been more than three years away from their families?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONLeave from India is necessarily restricted, as accommodation available depends upon the shipping situation. Arrangements are in force by which the Commander-in-Chief, India, can send home on leave a certain number of troops each month, as opportunity offers, and no doubt the claims of the men referred to receive every possible consideration.