§ Mr. Wootton-Daviesasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in making up military drafts for the Far East, he will abstain, when practicable, from sending men who have had several years' service in the Middle East without home leave, and will either grant such leave or 1011W select men who have not fought through the various military operations since 1939.
§ Sir J. GriggOfficers and men who have returned to the United Kingdom after long service overseas are not sent back to Mediterranean and other distant theatres if others, equally suitable, are available. Even if such officers and men have to be sent, they are not considered for drafts for these stations until they have had at least six months' home service, including disembarkation leave. The above rules do not apply to those who volunteer to return to the Mediterranean, India or the Far East. When a man returns from overseas he is given disembarkation leave. He is then eligible for privilege leave in his turn. Before he is sent abroad he is given embarkation leave, provided the exigencies of the service permit.