§ Captain C. Smithasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men completing L.I.A.P. are returning to their overseas units for short periods before a further journey to this country for release; and whether he will arrange that any man completing such leave shall be posted to B.A.O.R. or to home establishment unless he has at least six months to serve before the estimated date of release.
§ Mr. LawsonAs stated today in reply to a Question by the hon. and gallant Member for Dumfries (Major Macpherson), relating to officers, leave from overseas is not granted in cases where the individuals are due for final repatriation within a few months. The second part of the Question does not therefore arise.
§ Captain Chetwyndasked the Secretary of State for War if he will consider grant- 1226W ing additional leave to troops who have been engaged on work at the docks.
§ Mr. LawsonNo, Sir. This work is undertaken in the ordinary course of military duty, and in fairness to the Army generally I think it is preferable not to treat it as exceptional for the purpose of leave.
§ Mr. A. E. Daviesasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will take steps to ensure that the maximum number of Service men and women are granted leave to spend this Christmas at home and to give priority to those who have not enjoyed this privilege for three years or more.
§ Mr. LawsonI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave on 23rd October to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Sparkbrook (Mr. Shurmer).