HC Deb 28 May 1940 vol 361 cc432-3W
Major Carver

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will arrange for some members of the Volunteer Defence Corps to be stationed, where thought desirable, at all outlying farms to prevent parachute troops from installing temporary defence posts in such places and destroying food supplies?

Mr. Eden

Local military commanders are responsible that Local Defence Volunteers are raised in such a way that all places of importance are safeguarded.

Mr. Etherton

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider arming postmen in country districts, as persons of responsibility, whose duty already necessitates patrolling isolated country districts?

Mr. Law

It is not the intention to arm postmen while they are on duty as such, but they have been given permission to enrol as Local Defence Volunteers for service outside their hours of duty as postmen. It is not desirable that these volunteers should act as individuals roving at large.

Mr. Viant

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give an assurance that the Local Defence Volunteers will not be used in any other service or employment than that for which they were originally recruited?

Mr. Law

There is no present intention of using Local Defence Volunteers in any other service than that for which they were originally recruited.

Mr. Rostron Duckworth

asked the Minister of Health whether he proposes to recommend to local authorities the adoption of regulations similar to those issued to civil servants affecting their enrolment in Local Defence Volunteer Forces; and, if not, what other action he proopses to take?

Mr. M. MacDonald

Yes, Sir. I have informed local authorities of the arrangements made for the enrolment of civil servants in Local Defence Volunteer Forces and recommending them to adopt similar arrangements so far as the circumstances are comparable.