§ Commander BELLAIRSasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether ten days' leave was granted by the Government at Christmas, 1918; whether it has always been the custom that those officers who could not be spared at the time owing to the nature of their duties should be given 1184W leave at the first available opportunity; whether he is aware that officers who could not take their leave at Christmas have been placed on the retired list without Being given their full pay leave which was due to them before being placed on pension; and whether he will take steps to rectify the injustice and financial loss?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAFull pay leave to officers is granted under Regulations approved by Order in Council, and it is not within the power of the. Admiralty to extend the period authorised. Christmas leave was granted to officers who could be spared, but this, I am advised, gives no right to add any period of leave to the forty-two days a year authorised by the Regulations.