§ Mr. Henderson Stewart(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in order to meet the imminent danger of enemy parachute landings in this country and avoid displacing regular troops, he will consider the immediate formation of a voluntary corps composed of older, responsible men to be armed with rifles and Bren guns and trained for instant action in their own localities, in case of raids?
§ The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Eden)This matter has been receiving urgent attention in the light of recent events, and I hope to make an announcement on the subject at a very early date.
Mr. StewartWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the public demand for the step suggested is both widespread and insistent, and that a large number of older men not now engaged in national service are eager to offer themselves for this work?
§ Sir Percy HarrisWill the right hon. Gentleman, in considering this matter, look into a precedent of the last war, when a voluntary force was organised something on these lines?
§ Brigadier-General Sir Henry CroftIs my right hon. Friend aware that, throughout the country, in the quieter areas, are large numbers of firemen who are ex-service men and who will be very willing—from what I have understood in the last four or five days—that various sections of them should be armed and organised for this purpose?
§ Commander Sir Archibald SouthbyWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that, in the British Legion throughout the country, is the nucleus of this force, already organised?
§ Mr. ThorneLet us arm everybody. Let us all have arms?
§ Mr. StephenDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that his supporters in this House do not seem to think that he has the capacity for the job?