HC Deb 22 August 1940 vol 364 c1450
46. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

asked the Prime Minister whether, in order to avoid dual responsibility and dual control, he will announce the position of the controlling authority when the Home Guard and the air-raid precautions services are co-operating in time of emergency?

The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Attlee)

My right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for War and the Minister of Home Security are at present discussing the problem of reciprocal arrangements between the Home Guard and the Civil Defence Services, and in this connection will consider the issue raised by my hon. and gallant Friend.

Sir T. Moore

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider adopting the well-established and trusted precedent of giving the Armed Forces of the Crown control in an emergency?

Mr. Attlee

That is one of the points for consideration.

Mr. Bellenger

Will not this question settle itself in a particular emergency, in that the Home Guard will come under the orders of the military?