Palestine

Oral Answers to Questions — British Army – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 20 Mai 1947.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr David Jones Mr David Jones , Hartlepools, The 12:00, 20 Mai 1947

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the discontent which arises from the fact that men in this country on leave with only five or six weeks more to serve in the Army are being sent back to Palestine; that in some cases, after a journey which normally takes nine days, the men find themselves with less than four weeks to serve before release date; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent men with such short remaining service from being sent overseas.

Photo of Mr Frederick Bellenger Mr Frederick Bellenger , Bassetlaw

No, Sir, I am not aware that this is happening. Soldiers are not normally granted leave to the United Kingdom from Palestine unless they will have at least four months' service to complete after their return from leave.

Photo of Mr David Jones Mr David Jones , Hartlepools, The

Is the Minister aware that last week I received a letter from his Department seeking to justify the return of men with five weeks more to serve in Palestine, and indicating that the journey took only nine days, and that they would have at least four weeks more to serve after arrival in Palestine?

Photo of Mr Frederick Bellenger Mr Frederick Bellenger , Bassetlaw

If that is so, it must be a rare exception, because it conflicts with the answer I have just given.

Photo of Mr David Jones Mr David Jones , Hartlepools, The

If I submit the letter to my right hon. Friend, will he give me the correct information?

Photo of Mr Frederick Bellenger Mr Frederick Bellenger , Bassetlaw

I am always willing to give correct information.

Photo of Mr Jon Rankin Mr Jon Rankin , Glasgow Tradeston

Is it not the case that men stationed in Palestine and proceeding on leave must first sign a document that they will return to Palestine at the end of their leave?

Photo of Mr Frederick Bellenger Mr Frederick Bellenger , Bassetlaw

I do not know about that, but I should not think that it was unreasonable.