§ Mr. HURDasked the Secretary of State for War whether, as promised, he has considered what special treatment can now be meted out to men of the Somersets and other regiments serving in distant theatres who, owing to special circumstances, have had no home leave?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLLarge drafts have been placed under orders to proceed to Egypt and Constantinople during the month of April. Further drafts will be dispatched in May, June, and July. These will relieve a corresponding number of personnel who have served long periods in these theatres without leave. As regards Mesopotamia and India, no drafts can be sent to these places until climatic conditions permit, which will not be until August next at the earliest.
§ Mr. WADDINGTONasked the Secretary of State for War if leave to come to England can be granted to Sergeant T. E. Holder, No. 12298, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, attached to 2/103rd Mahrattas Light Infantry, India, who has been serving abroad continuously since the Gallipoli campaign?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLEvery effort is being made to grant leave to officers and other ranks who have been serving in the East for long periods, but owing to the shortage of transport facilities and the fact that by far the greatest proportion of the accommodation is reserved for men proceeding home for demobilisation, it is at the present time very difficult to grant leave to men serving in India. I regret that I cannot see my way to give special directions in the case of this sergeant.