§ 44. Mr. Petherickasked the Secretary of State for War on what date the orders or instructions regarding the reversion to voluntary status of the Home Guard were in the hands of the battalion commanders; and on what date the relative orders or instructions were given to the B.B.C. and the Press, respectively.
§ Sir J. GriggThe military situation on the Continent warranted a relaxation of Home Guard duties and orders were issued to Commander-in-Chief Home Forces on 6th September. I broadcast a 740 message to the Home Guard on the same evening which was reported in the Press on the following day. There was ample time for all orders to be in the hands of battalion commanders before 11th September, the effective date of the relaxation.
§ Mr. PetherickIs my right hon. Friend aware that these orders were not in the hands of battalion commanders until several days after they saw them in the Press and heard them on the B.B.C.? Will he take steps in future to see that any such orders are issued in the form of A.C.I's before the Press and the B.B.C. get them?
§ Sir J. GriggThat is a very desirable general rule, but not one of universal application.