§ 86. Mr. Warbeyasked the Secretary of State for War why no pre-embarkation leave was given to 150 National Service soldiers who sailed for Singapore on the "Empire Windrush" on Wednesday, 22nd June.
§ Mr. M. StewartThe National Service men referred to were originally in a draft which embarked for overseas early in May having had seven days' embarkation leave. On the instructions of my right hon. Friend they were disembarked and given further training to comply with the new arrangements that all troops going to the Far East must have completed at least 16 weeks' training and 18 weeks' service, after which they again became eligible for posting and were required to be ready for embarkation on 20th June. They were not eligible for any further embarkation leave, but three periods of 48 hours' short leave were granted between the two embarkations.