§ 89. Major Legge-Bourkeasked the Secretary of State for War how many men in the R.A.S.C., at present serving in West Africa, are overdue for reversion to the home establishment; how long they will have to wait for replacements to arrive; what arrangements are in operation for men stationed in West Africa to have local leave; and how these arrangements compare with those operating in other stations outside the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. BellengerProvision has been made for all replacements of R.A.S.C. personnel requested by the Command. Restricted shipping facilities available to this theatre may, however, have caused replacements to arrive late, so delaying the return of men to the United Kingdom. No figures are, however, available in the War Office as to the number of men, if any, so affected. Personnel serving in West Africa may be granted up to 28 days' local leave annually to be taken at any suitable place within a radius of 100 miles, or further if there is no suitable resort within 100 miles. The conditions under which local leave is granted are the same in all overseas commands outside Europe. The tour of duty in West Africa is, however, Only 18 months as compared with three years elsewhere overseas.