§ 3. Mr. Mathersasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that an officer over 80 years of age has been appointed to command the Home Guard in the South of Scotland; and can he state this officer's special qualifications for the post which justify his appointment at such an advanced age?
§ Captain MargessonWith regard to the first part of the Question, I am not aware of any such appointment. The second part does not, therefore, arise. In view of the publicity which has been given to my hon. Friend's Question in the Press, I am glad to have this opportunity of saying that I have been unable to discover any foundation for this story of an octogenarian appointment.
§ Mr. MathersI apologise for putting down a Question with an age in it which I find on further inquiry was unreliable, but there are other questions with regard to this officer's record which I should like to bring to the right hon. and gallant Gentleman's attention.