§ 39. Sir Cooper Rawsonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of 903 Food whether he is aware that one of the biggest manufacturers of chocolate in England have last week refused the application of the 14th (Hove) Sussex Battalion Home Guard for chocolate for sale in their canteen on the ground that the Ministry of Food has laid down a new instruction that all chocolate for the Forces must be obtained from the social services recognised by the Army Council, and that the Order does not include the Home Guard as members of the Forces; and will he have this put right, as the Home Guard is a recognised part of the British Army?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThe manufacturers in question appear to have interpreted the priority instruction of the Ministry correctly. The personnel of the Home Guard, when in uniform or wearing the authorised armlet, may use garrison and regimental institutes or canteens conducted by voluntary bodies to the same extent as other members of His Majesty's Forces. Apart from this, they purchase food supplies as ordinary civilians.
§ Sir C. RawsonIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the authority for this statement is the Prime Minister, and that the battalion applied in writing for this chocolate and has been refused? It is not a question of individuals.
Major Lloyd GeorgeThe hon. Gentleman will appreciate that, while they are in uniform, or wearing armlets, they are entitled to be treated exactly as members of the Forces. Therefore when they are working with the Regular Army they are treated as such, but for other purposes they are treated as civilians.