§ Mr. GRUNDYasked the Secretary of State for War whether any arrangements have been made to enable soldiers stationed in this country to take part in the Peace celebrations; and whether he will give immediate consideration to the possibility of granting to as many men as possible home-leave and a, free railway pass so that they may celebrate Peace with their own people?
§ Mr. FORSTERAs regards the grant of leave, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the Member for South Tottenham on 15th July. As regards the grant of travelling facilities, soldiers will, under the normal rules, be eligible, if granted leave, for a concession voucher which will enable them to travel the return journey for the single pre-war fare. In addition, those who under the ordinary Regulations have qualified for a free warrant may use it on this occasion.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can see his way to grant two days' extension of leave to soldiers from France now over here and 617W whose leave expires on 19th July, in order that they may participate in the Peace celebrations?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLAs announced in the Press last Tuesday, all ranks who are at present on leave in the United Kingdom from the forces in France, Flanders, occupied Germany, and Italy, and who are due to return from ports of embarkation in the United Kingdom to their units on 19th July, have had their leave extended to 20th July. This extension will enable the men affected to spend Peace Day at home.