§ 53. Mr. ANNAN BRYCEasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that numerous voluntary associations for the purpose of national defence have been formed by persons unsuitable from their age, physical defects, or otherwise for regular military service; and whether, in the event of the services of such associations becoming useful in the event of an invasion, they will be recognised by the Government as combatants?
§ 64. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he can see his way to extend official recognition to the Plymouth Defence Force, which is organised strictly on the principle that no man can be accepted as a member who is eligible for any other branch of His Majesty's fighting forces?
69. Mr. SHIRLEY BENNasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he can see his way to extend official recognition to the Plymouth Defence Force?
§ 81. Mr. BRIDGEMANasked the Under-Secretary of State for War, if he is aware that many active men who are slightly over the recruiting age desire to fight in the event of invasion and are prepared to provide their own arms and any equipment which may be necessary to enable them to be recognised as combatants; and if the War Office will consider whether some uniform could be designed for a defence force which could be procured in readiness for such an event by men whose qualifications are considered adequate?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Tennant)As was explained in the answer which my right hon. Friend gave on Monday last to the hon. Member for Glasgow University, such voluntary associations should affiliate themselves to the Central Association Volunteer Training Corps under conditions a copy of which I will circulate with the Votes. The question whether these associations will 776 be recognised as combatant in the event of invasion is still under consideration.—[See Written Answers this date.]