HC Deb 16 March 1948 vol 448 c219W
92. Major Legge-Bourke

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement about leave from M.E.L.F. to the United Kingdom and local leave in M.E.L.F.

Mr. Shinwell

As I stated in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Maldon (Mr. Driberg) on 27th January, it is not possible, owing to shortage of shipping, to grant United Kingdom leave, except on compassionate grounds, to soldiers serving in overseas Commands other than Europe. Soldiers serving in the Middle East are eligible for 28 days' local leave annually.