§ Mr. Hutchinsonasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will arrange that at least one period of privilege leave shall be granted to men called up for the Forces at 18½ years of age before proceeding overseas, in addition to their normal embarkation leave.
§ Sir J. GriggEvery endeavour is made to give privilege leave to newly joined soldiers during the first five months of their service, and also to give embarkation leave before they go overseas, but my hon. and learned Friend will appreciate that operational considerations must override all others, and for this reason I regret that I am unable to give an assurance that such leave can always be granted.