HC Deb 13 August 1940 vol 364 cc589-91
20. Mr. Mander

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the harmful effect being created in certain Home Guard areas by the frequent appearance amongst them of generals, colonels and other ranks wearing their former uniform with Local Defence Volunteer badge; and whether he will make it clear that this practice must cease?

Mr. Eden

Orders are about to be issued that the practice to which my hon. Friend draws attention is to cease.

Mr. Mander

Will the Minister bear in mind that this is particularly resented in the ranks, where generals and other officers will persist in wearing their uniforms, greatly embarrassing members of these Forces?

36. Mr. R. Gibson

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will take steps to dispense with an arbitrary upper age limit for recruits for the Home Guard, arid, instead, allow recruits above the age of 65 to be enrolled on a report from a medical officer that they are fit for general or special duties?

Mr. Eden

No, Sir. I think it is necessary to have age limits, and that the existing upper limit of 65 is as high as it reasonably can be with due regard to the liabilities involved.

Mr. Gibson

Is my right hon. Friend keeping in mind that this war is not to be won by rule of thumb, but by the application of scientific principle? Will he review this matter and accept the scientific decision of the medical officer and reinstate Harry Breen of Greenock, aged 70, who has received the sympathy of everyone throughout the United Kingdom?

Mr. Eden

I hope I can try to live up to the prescription of the hon. and learned Member. The fact that the limit is as high as 65 shows, I think, that I am not very far off the standard he wishes me to attain.

39. Sir Henry Morris-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will appoint as Home Guard area organisers for the North Wales counties men who are known to the people of North Wales and whose headquarters will be within the Principality?

Mr. Eden

There is only one Home Guard area organiser for North Wales, and he lives near the area headquarters, which is the most suitable location for him. There are, of course, a number of zone commanders living in the districts where the formations comprised within the zones are raised.

Sir H. Morris-Jones

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the list he sent me a day or two ago showed that area organisers were living in Shrewsbury? Is he aware that Shrewsbury is in England, 100 miles from the capital of North Wales, and will he re-consider the whole question on national and political grounds, apart from military grounds?

Mr. Eden

If my hon. Friend would be good enough to discuss this with me, not in the House, it would be easier for me to give an answer.

40. Captain Sir Ian Fraser

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will arrange with insurance companies to provide cover against risks to vehicles, passengers and third-party risks when private motor cars are used to transport the Home Guard to, or in the course of, all their duties?

Mr. Eden

An agreement has been reached with the insurance companies in regard to insurance cover in such circumstances, and particulars are being communicated to all concerned. If my hon. and gallant Friend desires, I will send him a copy.

Sir I. Fraser

If any extra payment is required, can my right hon. Friend assure the House that it will not be levied upon the persons who lend their cars?

Mr. Eden

Yes, Sir; I can safely give that assurance.

42. Mr. Graham White

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the leather equipment for the Home Guard consists at present only of a leather belt and leather anklets; that leather pounches are urgently desired for the Home Guard; and whether, as these can be largely produced from those portions of the hide that are left over after providing for the existing order for belts, he will accelerate the provision of the pouches?

Mr. Eden

Leather pouches are not considered necessary for the Home Guard. They are to be provided with haversacks.

Mr. White

What is the purpose of the belt, having regard to the nature of the uniform, unless it is a pure ornament?