§ 19. Colonel Sir A. Lambert Wardasked the Secretary of State for War, whether he will give an early decision on certain outstanding questions which are vital to the administration of the Home Guard, particularly the question of commissions, the status of non-commissioned officers, and the whole question of finance and capitation grants?
§ Sir E. GriggA statement such as my hon. and gallant Friend desires will be made very shortly.
§ Mr. ManderWill my hon. Friend consider the advisability of asking the Secretary, of State to hear the views of Members in a Debate before he makes his statement? He might desire to make different arrangements as a result of such a Debate.
§ Sir E. GriggNo, Sir. I think it better that the Debate should be made on the statement. The views of the House on the statement will, as my hon. Friend knows, receive the most careful consideration.
§ Mr. LawsonIs the question of works' guards still receiving attention?
§ Sir E. GriggYes, Sir.
§ Mr. LawsonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there is very great dissatisfaction with what looks like private interest in the Army?
§ Sir E. GriggI do not know to what my hon. Friend refers, and I should be glad if he would tell me of any case he has in mind.
§ Mr. LawsonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that in many cases employers seem 1181 to regard the men who are at their works not only as employés but as soldiers?
§ Sir E. GriggThat question is being Looked into.