HC Deb 14 October 1952 vol 505 c9W
68. Mrs. Braddock

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give an assurance that all men who have completed their service in the Armed Forces, Canal Zone, have now been returned for their demobilisation leave to this country; and why so many men were kept in the Canal Zone so long after they had completed their service.

Mr. Head

All those delayed in August were returned in September and since then there has been no backlog. This delay was mainly due to difficulties following the loss of two Hermes aircraft.

76. Mr. Proctor

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will cancel the arrangements whereby soldiers from the Middle East can fly home if they can afford to pay their fares and institute a system which will operate among the Service personnel irrespective of their financial position.

Mr. Head

No. Under present regulations, any officer or man in the Middle East or any other command may fly home for leave at his own expense. I think that it would be quite impracticable to introduce free leave travel by air from all overseas commands.