HC Deb 08 February 1944 vol 396 cc1603-4
11. Mr. Ross Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for War if the Regulation prohibiting serving Members of this House from addressing political meetings in constituencies other than their own applies to members of the Home Guard.

Sir J. Grigg

No, Sir. The King's Regulation in question has not been applied to the Home Guard.

Mr. Ross Taylor

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask him how it squares with the statement made by the Prime Minister that the Home Guard is as much a part of the Army as the Guards?

Sir J. Grigg

That is quite simple. The Home Guard is part of the Armed Forces of the Crown, but the whole of the King's Regulations obviously do not apply to members of that Force.

14. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the unsatisfactory situation in a company of the Home Guard, of which he has been informed, and in view of the need for maintaining the highest standard of efficiency, will he institute inquiries into recent promotions and dismissals in the battalion of which this company forms part.

Sir J. Grigg

Some complaints about this unit forwarded to me by the hon. Member were fully investigated and a reply dealing with them was sent to the hon. Member.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister aware that so far as this Home Guard unit is concerned that answer is anything but satisfactory? Is he aware that there is an allegation that the commander of the battalion said to the lad who was entitled to promotion to second in command, that it was impossible to promote him because of the relations in the factory where the commander was manager and the lad was his subordinate, and that, on that ground, promotion was refused?

Sir J. Grigg

I sent a full answer to the hon. Member and I understand that the unit is now running perfectly smoothly.