§ Mr. CROOKSasked the Homo Secretary whether he is aware that the police pensioners who were called upon to serve again on the outbreak of War were deprived of seventeen days' leave; that the permanent men who were treated similarly are now receiving, in stages, days in lieu with pay, but that the pensioners who have been discharged have received no recognition whatever; and whether he will make inquiries into this matter?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe pensioners were not "deprived" of seventeen days' leave. 2053W They were re-enlisted on the outbreak of war under specially advantageous terms, which, while not guaranteeing leave, placed them in a much better financial position than that of the men who had not been pensioned. They were given fortnightly leave from September, 1914, and weekly leave from March, 1015. In 1916, seven days' annual leave were added; and in 1917 the pensioners were placed on the same footing as others, by the grant of full annual leave of ten days.