HC Deb 28 March 1944 vol 398 cc1222-4
5. Major C. S. Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now prepared to consider an issue of socks lo the Home Guard.

Sir J. Grigg

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade to my hon. Friend the Member for Spennymoor (Mr. Murray) on 6th April last. I understand that the supply position has not improved since then and it is not possible to consider any additions to the items now issued to members of the Home Guard without coupons.

Major Taylor

How does the reply of the President of the Board of Trade meet the situation? After all, the Home Guard have to wear socks whether they are provided by the Army or not.

Sir J. Grigg

On the contrary, this is a proposal that they should have additional socks.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

Would my right hon. Friend consider wearing a pair of Army boots with civilian socks for one week, and then answering this Question again?

10. Colonel Burton

asked the Secretary of State for War when it is proposed that women members of the Home Guard shall be supplied with uniforms, respirators and steel helmets.

13. Mr. McEntee

asked the Secretary of State for War if it is permissible for women Home Guard units to wear uniforms; is there any standard pattern for such uniforms or is each local unit permitted to wear a pattern of their own choice; is any part of such uniform issued officially; and is any grant made by the Government towards its cost.

Sir J. Grigg

No uniform has been supplied or approved by the War Office for women nominated for service with the Home Guard. There is no objection to women who are members of a uniformed voluntary organisation wearing their uniform on duties connected with the Home Guard. The issue of a uniform is not contemplated, but I will look into the matter of helmets and respirators.

Mr. McEntee

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that some local units are now wearing uniforms of their own choice and of varying patterns and is it not wrong that we should have a dozen or more different types of uniforms worn by women's units of the Home Guard?

Sir J. Grigg

The only prohibition is against wearing uniforms which simulate official uniforms. So long as they do not do that, I honestly think the best course is to turn the blind eye.

Colonel Burton

The right hon. Gentleman did not answer my question in regard to respirators and steel helmets.

Sir J. Grigg

Yes, I think my hon. and gallant friend will find that I did. I said I would look into the matter of helmets and respirators.

Colonel Burton

Is the right hon. gentleman aware that these women have to perform signalling, intelligence and clerical duties without any protection, the men wearing steel helmets and these women wearing unsuitable putty medals?

Sir J. Grigg

I can only repeat that I will look into the matter of helmets and respirators.

11. Colonel Burton

asked the Secretary of State for War the comparative amount awarded on mustering to men and women members of the Home Guard as to subsistence, feeding, travelling and compensation for loss of wages.

Sir J. Grigg

During their service in the Home Guard, male members are eligible for subsistence allowance of 1s. 6d. for a continuous period of duty of 5–8 hours; 3s. for 8–15 hours; 4s. 6d. for 15–24 hours. If practicable, subsistence in kind is provided in lieu. They are eligible for refund of reasonable travelling expenses incurred in attending authorised duty; and may claim compensation for loss of earnings, in respect of courses of not less than 6 days' duration or in certain other circumstances, up to a maximum rate of £3 18s. 6d. a week or 13s. 1d. a day. Women nominated for employment with the Home Guard are not eligible for these payments.

Colonel Burton

Is it not time that this miserable differentiation between men and women should cease? Why are these women called upon to give up their money and jobs without getting any compensation?

Sir J. Grigg

They are not called up. They offer their services. It is contrary to the intentions of the War Office that they should come from long distances or have their ordinary avocations interfered with.

Colonel Burton

Are we to understand that women who are trained for this kind of thing, have the option of not coming out in an emergency?

Sir J. Grigg

Their services are offered on a purely voluntary basis.