14. Mr. Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider mobilising the Home Guard for two weeks' continuous training in their own districts, all ranks living at home as usual, parading at 8 a.m. daily, or earlier, with rations, suitable pay and allowances being made, 334 and exemptions from duty restricted to men engaged on urgent national work?
§ Mr. LawNo, Sir. The value of the Home Guard lies to a very large extent in the fact that it enables men already engaged in ordinary civil occupations to fit themselves to take an active part in the military defence of this country against invasion. Any departure from this principle of part-time service could only result in serious dislocation of civilian life and consequent interference with the national war effort.
Mr. RobertsonIs it not a fact that if invasion takes place, serious dislocation will occur, and is my hon. Friend satisfied that 21½ hours' training per week is adequate for any military force; and will he bear in mind the words of the Prime Minister on Sunday night, that General Wavell had only two divisions in Libya and a small force in Greece? If the Home Guard is adequately trained, it can take the place of some of our Regular troops.
§ Mr. LawEven if, as my hon. Friend says, dislocation will take place in any event, I cannot see any advantage in inviting dislocation in advance. The Home Guards even on a part-time basis, has succeeded in the main in reaching an extremely high standard.
§ Mr. Garro-JonesIs the hon. Gentleman aware that a great number of Home Guard units do not parade their nominal roll, and will he satisfy himself that some measures are not required to increase the attendance at parades? May I have an answer, because this is a most important point regarding the strength of the Home Guard?
§ Mr. LawThe Home Guard, as the hon. Gentleman knows, is a voluntary and part-time organisation, and I do not really see that he has any justification at all for his statement.
§ Mr. Garro JonesWhat I said was that the Home Guard do not parade their full strength for duty, in many cases often for reasons beyond their control. I asked the Minister for an assurance—and the House will observe that he refused to give it to me—that he would satisfy himself on this point and take steps to increase the attendance at parade.
§ Mr. LawTo the best of my belief and, I am sure, the belief of the House, the Home Guard has done patriotic service and will continue to do it to the best of its ability.