§ 24. Mr. Warbeyasked the Secretary of State for War what are the normal periods of embarkation leave for drafts proceeding to the principal overseas theatres.
§ Mr. ShinwellRegular soldiers and National Servicemen who were called-up before 1st April, 1948, are granted 14 days' embarkation leave, except when posted to North-West Europe, when seven days are granted. National Servicemen called-up after 1st April, 1948, are now granted seven days' leave on a suitable occasion after completion of basic training, and a further seven days' embarkation leave is added to this period if they proceed overseas immediately. If they are not sent abroad immediately on completion of basic training but at a later date, they are then granted a further period of seven days' embarkation leave. All National Servicemen called-up after 1st April, 1948, thus now receive a total of 14 days' leave in the United Kingdom before being posted abroad.