§ Viscount WOLMERasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the feeling that prevails among the men of the Regular Army with regard to the greatly improved conditions laid down for men joining the New Army and to the recently published instructions that the present-day time-serving soldier will receive only one month's furlough, irrespective of the number of years' unexpired service he may have to complete, whereas men in the New Army receive from two to three months' furlough for not more than four years' service; and whether any action will be taken in the matter?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe Regular soldier does not receive any furlough in respect of his unexpired service. He receives twenty-eight days' furlough in consideration of absence from home during the War.2540W This is the same as the furlough granted to other soldiers on demobilisation for their service during the War. As an inducement to men to re-enlist, a scheme for bounty and two or three months' furlough was drawn up. This is not a reward for past service, but part of the terms which it was considered necessary to offer, in the present state of the labour market, in order to attract trained men to continue their military service when under no obligation to do so. The position of the Regular soldier is not affected thereby, nor is his contract altered.