§ 9. Sir Ralph Glynasked the Secretary of State for War, whether he is, aware that in the Prime Minister's broadcast concerning the work of the Home Guard the Territorial Associations were never mentioned; whether he will therefore take some opportunity of indicating the Government's recognition of the volume and value of the work that has been done by the Territorial Associations administering the Home Guard and the economical low overhead cost of the system adopted?
§ Sir J. GriggThe Prime Minister's broadcast dealt with the operational role of the Home Guard in the defence of this country, and I am obliged to my hon. Friend for this opportunity to express on behalf of His Majesty's Government their very deep appreciation of the services rendered by the presidents, chairmen, members and employees of Territorial Army Associations throughout the United Kingdom. The work carried out by these Associations has been most willingly done in the face of great difficulties, and their administration has enabled us to save man-power which has been most useful elsewhere. They have contributed in no small measure to that readiness of the Home Guard for battle which was described by the Prime Minister.
§ Sir A. SouthbyHas the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to a recent utterance by the Parliamentary 6 Secretary to the Ministry of Home Security in which she said that when the new fire-watching Regulations came out the Home Guard would get a shake-up, and does he think that conducive to good feeling in the Home Guard?
§ Sir J. GriggI confess that I have not seen that particular utterance. Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend would give me a more specific reference?
§ Sir R. GlynWhile I thank my right hon. Friend for his answer, would he be good enough to circulate it to all Territorial Associations, who will be gratified to learn that their work is appreciated?