HC Deb 23 March 1943 vol 387 cc1449-50
7. Colonel Burton

asked the Secretary of State for War the number or percentage of members of the Home Guard who have received training in matters appertaining to Civil Defence; and whether it is proposed to institute any measure of compulsion in this connection?

Sir J. Grigg

Instructions have already been issued for training in Civil Defence duties to be given in those places where it is necessary to do so, but I regret that the figures asked for by my hon. and gallant Friend are not available. This training is carried out as a military duty and a member of the Home Guard can, therefore, be ordered to undertake it.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir A. Lambert Ward

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the amount of work called for from the Home Guard is already having a serious effect on production throughout the country, and will he see to it that if the Home Guard are ordered to do Civil Defence duties, their duties with the Home Guard will be proportionately reduced?

Sir J. Grigg

That is another question than the one on the Paper, and I have already answered that on one or two occasions.