§ Major Nieldasked the Secretary of State for War if it has been found possible to grant home leave to troops who have served for a substantial period of time in Malta; and if not, whether he will consider arranging for such leave.
§ Sir J. GriggThe shipping available for these purposes is more economically employed in bringing men back to the Home Establishment who have been abroad for long periods than in bringing men home on leave, which implies taking them back again when their period of leave is over. I sympathise with my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion for troops in Malta, but I do not think it would be fair to single out this station for exceptional treatment.
§ Major Nieldasked the Secretary of State for War, if he is able to make any statement as to the existence and working of a plan whereby troops who have served overseas for a substantial period of time are relieved by troops from the United Kingdom.
§ Sir J. GriggSuch very limited shipping as is available after providing for operational needs is being used to bring back to the Home Establishment those officers and men who have been abroad for the longest periods. At present men who have been abroad over five years are being brought back under these arrangements, and I hope later to be able to reduce the qualifying period. But my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion will certainly be borne in mind when our shipping resources for such purposes become more ample.