§ 73. Sir Smedley Crookeasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to a statement recently made by the General Officer in Command, London District as to the future use of the Home Guard; and whether it is the intention of the Government to use the Home Guard as a police force at the conclusion of hostilities?
§ Mr. A. HendersonI have seen reports of the statement referred to. The Home Guard has been raised and organised to meet the threat of invasion. It has no duties other than those connected with the local defence of Great Britain, including air defence. The use of the Home Guard when the need for performing its present duties is removed is a matter which cannot be decided until that time comes, but I can assure my hon. Friend that there is no intention—nor was there any suggestion in the G.O.C's statement—to use the Home Guard as a police force.
§ Captain C. S. TaylorIn view of the man-power shortage, could some of the Home Guard be used to help man antiaircraft guns on the South and South-East coast?
§ Mr. McEnteeWill Home Guards, when they have served for 21 years, become entitled to a Service pension?