asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the 9th intake, 29th Training Regiment, R.A.C., stationed at Barford Camp, Barnard Castle, have been told that they will not get any Christmas or New Year leave; and if he will see that they are given the leave promised to all trainees.

Leave is granted at Christmas to as many men as possible, whether trained or trainees, but naturally, a proportion have to be retained for essential administrative duties. The 9th intake at the 59th Training Regiment, R.A.C., have been detailed to remain in barracks at Christmas as part of the detachment required for such duties. All the members of this intake have recently been Given a week's leave and will be due for further leave when their course ends in February.

Was there not an order issued by the War Office that all trainees were to have Christmas or New Year off, and if this leave is refused at this time, will it not have a very bad effect on recruiting for the Army? Will not my right hon. Friend see that these men get leave at Christmas or New Year?

No official promise was made about Christmas or the New Year. I have a great deal of sympathy with the point raised by the hon. Member, and I have issued certain directions. In so far as it is possible to carry them out, they will be carried out.