Sir L. HARMSWORTHasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the altered circumstances arising out of the conclusion of the Armistice, he can see his way to revise the conditions of leave for soldiers residing in remote parts of Scotland to enable adequate time for travel being added to the normal period of leave?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI regret that no further concession can be made beyond the fourteen days' leave which will be granted from France every six months. I may add that, so far as the exigencies of the service and transportation facilities permit, all ranks serving in the Armies of Occupation will receive twenty-eight days' leave in the United Kingdom each year.
§ Sir K. WOODasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that on 21st February a cable was sent to Gunner A. T. Stubbington, G Battery, Royal Horse Artillery, stationed at Cologne, from Plumstead, asking for leave in order that he might see the last of his child who had died that day, and that on the following Tuesday an official reply was communicated to the mother stating that leave must be taken in rotation, and that no special leave could be allowed at present; and whether he will take such action as will secure more sympathetic consideration in future applications of a similar nature?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI have no information as to the particular case to which my hon. Friend refers, but I can assure him that so far as the exigencies of the Service permit every endeavour is made to treat such applications sympathetically and expeditiously. It must be remembered that as transportation is limited one man can only go at the expense of another who is due for leave.