88. Mr. Deedsasked the Secretary of State for War what is now the normal period of overseas service for regular soldiers; and whether the same principle is applied in a theatre of war such as Malaya as in other stations.
§ Mr. StracheyThe normal period of service, for regular soldiers, in overseas stations, including Malaya, is three years. Exceptions are made in the case of Europe, where no fixed time is laid down, and in West Africa, where the time is three years and three months inclusive of three months' mid-tour recuperative leave in the United Kingdom.