§ Captain PLUGGEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many officers and men of the Atlantic Fleet who would normally have been at home for Christmas will now be absent in view of the international situation; and whether arrangements will be made in due course, on their return to this country, for them to receive extra leave on account of the Christmas leave which they have had to forgo?
Lord STANLEYApproximately 11,000 officers and men of the Home Fleet will be absent from England at Christmas. As soon as circumstances permit, arrangements will be made to give the men concerned the leave which it is at present necessary to defer.