§ Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyreasked the Secretary of State for War why instructions have been issued to Middle East 364W Command that married officers, whose wives are in the Command, may only take L.I.A.P. within the Command; and for what reason such officers are forbidden to take their leave in England even if they pay their own passages.
§ Mr. BellengerThe object of L.I.A.P. is to enable officers and men serving overseas to have a break with their families at home, during their overseas tour of duty. Where the family is resident with the husband the necessity for leave to the United Kingdom disappears. It has, therefore, been ruled that no one whose wife is living in his overseas command will be eligible for United Kingdom leave at public expense. Equivalent leave may be taken locally, and free travel is authorised within the local leave entitlement. There is no objection to an officer who has his family living with him, taking L.I.A.P. to the United Kingdom, providing he makes his own passage arrangements through normal civilian channels and travels at his own risk and expense Military transport may not be used for this purpose.