§ Sir W. RUTHERFORDasked the Under - Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the men in. Mesopotamia are feeling the strain due to absence of leave; whether he is aware that despite the promises in the House the men have been informed that there is no chance of leave being granted; and whether he will give an assurance that all men who have been in Mesopotamia for two years and upwards shall have early leave, if not to this country, at all events-to India?
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§ Mr. MACPHERSONI am unaware whether the facts as stated by my hon. Friend are correct, but the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Mesopotamia, is being communicated with on the subject. The General Officer Commanding is, of course, fully alive to the desirability of granting leave whenever possible, and those who have been longest in Mesopotamia receive first consideration, but in view of the military situation it is impossible to give any definite undertaking such as is asked for by my hon. Friend.