§ 16. Captain Cunningham-Reidasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in order to obtain more men for the combatant Services, and in order not further to deplete agricultural labour, the Home Guard will be employed for duties in the manning of balloon and searchlight units, which arc mostly static posts?
§ Captain MargessonThe work of balloon detachments and searchlight units is of a whole-time and highly skilled nature, and it would not be practicable for it to be carried out by the Home Guard.
§ Captain Cunningham-ReidIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there are Home Guards who are prepared to spend the whole of their time on such duties, and is it not a fact that by employing these Home Guards in the manner I have suggested on non-technical duties an equivalent number of combatant men could be released?
§ Captain MargessonThat may be so, but there is already an operational role allotted to the Home Guard, and, as I said in my Answer, I do not think that the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion is really practicable.
§ Sir Stanley ReedIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that many of those in touch with the Home Guard view with dismay proposals to divert them from those duties for which they were constituted and are fitted?
17. Brigadier-General Sir Ernest Makingasked the Secretary of State for War whether officers holding commissions in the Home Guard will be prejudiced in any way in respect of any disability or Army pensions of which they may be in receipt?
§ Captain MargessonNo, Sir. The grant of Home Guard commissions has no financial implications. It in no way affects the continuance of a disability or Service pension.