HC Deb 16 October 1941 vol 374 cc1521-2W
Mr. Bellenger

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any statement to make on the question of improved travelling facilities for soldiers proceeding on leave?

Mr. Sandys

I would ask my hon. Friend to await the statement that will be made by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions in the Debate this afternoon.

Mr. R. C. Morrison

asked the Secretary of State for War whether free travelling warrants, granted for compassionate leave, are inclusive or exclusive of the normal number to which the soldier is entitled?

Captain Margesson

Compassionate leave granted when a soldier's home has been damaged or his relatives injured as a result of enemy action does not count against the soldier's normal allotment of leave, and an additional free warrant is issuable in all such cases. For the reasons given in an answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Morpeth (Mr. R. J. Taylor) on 22nd October, 1940, compassionate leave granted on other grounds counts against the normal allotment and an additional free warrant will not therefore normally be required under the new arrangements which will be announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions to-day.