HC Deb 27 February 1940 vol 357 cc1891-2
74. Mr. Robert Gibson

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the practice of stationing Scottish warrant officers who are graded category, home defence only, in England for instructional duties, and of sending similar English warrant officers to Scotland, causes the maximum inconvenience to these men and their wives and families; and whether he will reconsider and reverse this practice so as to allow such warrant officers the benefit of spending week-end leave with their wives and families?

Mr. Stanley

As the great majority of training units are located in England, it is inevitable that part of the instructional staff of such units in England should be drawn from Scottish personnel. It is not the practice to send English warrant officers to training units located in Scotland, but it may sometimes be necessary to do so in the case, for instance, of specialist appointments.

Mr. Gibson

Am I to understand from the right hon. Gentleman's answer that where possible these warrant officers with instructional duties will be stationed as near home as possible?

Mr. Stanley

Yes, certainly.