§ Mr. Rileyasked the Secretary of State for India whether British officers and noncommissioned officers who joined the Indian Army as volunteers before the war will be entitled to return to this country on leave on the same terms as conscripted members of the Forces now serving in India; or, if not, what period of service will qualify a pre-war volunteer in the Indian Army for leave in this country.
§ Mr. AmeryThe pre-war regular personnel of the Indian Army are entitled to consideration under the Indian Army 61 days' leave scheme which, in their case, takes the place of the War Office home posting scheme, since home posting is not practicable for the Indian Army. The period of qualifying service under this scheme is five years. But there is, un-1636W fortunately a considerable accumulation of Indian Army personnel who have been for a still longer period without leave home. As a result it is not yet possible to work to the minimum period prescribed. As I stated on 14th December, however, they are also entitled to consideration under the new "short leave" scheme which has now been applied to the Indian Army.