§ 38. Sir Leonard Lyleasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that present conditions of service in the Home Guard make it impossible for many persons, particularly in important Government Departments, to volunteer, he will set up a subsidiary force, the members of which will only be expected to defend their own places of employment, and who will thus be able to carry on with their essential work until the last moment?
§ Mr. SandysAs was explained to my hon. Friend on 22nd January, the Home Guard has already been divided into two categories on the lines suggested in the Question. The first category includes those men who will be immediately available on mustering. The second category is composed of those who, owing to the essential nature of their present work, will be required to continue to perform their civilian duties until the last possible moment.