§ Mr. Jacksonasked the Secretary of State for War if he will instruct officers commanding units to ascertain when men are granted 48 hours' leave that it is possible for them to make their pourney home and back within the stated time and in cases in which they are late owing to difficulties of travel they shall not be punished as a consequence of circumstances over which they have no control.
§ Sir J. GriggWhen leave has been granted the individual concerned is responsible for returning in time, and it would not be practicable or desirable for officers commanding units to make the inquiries suggested by my hon. Friend. It is usual, and certainly more sensible, for men who have long distances to travel when they go on leave to add the 48 hours' leave to their 7 days' privilege leave. If a man is delayed through circumstances beyond his control, he should ask for his Pass to be endorsed by a Railway Traffic Officer or other convenient military authority, or by a stationmaster at the station where he is held up.