asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that British troops now stationed in the Channel Islands are regarded as Home Forces and in consequence are deprived of certain minor concessions which are available to troops in the B.A.O.R., whale the leave granted to them is considerably less favourable than that enjoyed by troops stationed in the United Kingdom; and whether he has any statement to make on the matter.
The Channel Islands are regarded as part of the United Kingdom for leave purposes and the intention is that leave from the Channel Islands shall be the same as for troops stationed on the mainland. The difficulty has been lack of shipping, but as I informed the hon. and gallant Member for Brighton (Flight-Lieutenant Teeling) in reply to a question on 9th October, leave began on 4th October and it is now hoped to maintain a regular service. I am not sure what minor concessions the hon. Member has in mind. As regards N.A.A.F.I. supplies, I would refer him to the reply given on 9th October to the hon. and gallant Member for Brighton.