HC Deb 14 July 1936 vol 314 cc1843-4
7. Captain MACNAMARA

asked the Secretary of State for War, whether, in view of the shortage of recruits in the Regular Army, and the large numbers of soldiers not available for duty owing to garrison, etc., employ, and in view of the uncertainty of obtaining employment on discharge from the Army, he will consider forming a corps of veterans for garrison, etc., employ duty in times of peace available for Home defence in time of war?

Mr. COOPER

The possibility of utilising civilians, and particularly ex-solders, for garrison employments, in order to free serving soldiers for active military duty, is constantly under review. Acceptance by the personnel concerned of a liability for Home defence would not be desirable, since the very nature of those employments requires their continuance in time of war.