Home on Leave

[Guest Jabo]

I've been advised of the following:- that in late 1917 the decision was taken that prior to departing on leave British soldiers on the Western Front had to return their firearms. This was a change to previous practice where Tommies all but got up & left on the first available transport and was a decision taken in response to concerns over rising discontent at home & the fact that a large number of armed troops in the UK on leave could prove a real problem were there an outbreak of civil unrest.

Can anyone confirm this for me?

If so can you advise who took this decision & when?

Thanks

J