HC Deb 10 October 1944 vol 403 cc1570-1
47. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Prime Minister whether, in connection with the uniform and boots of the Home Guard and Civil Defence, the return of which is now under consideration, the Government will recognise the public service performed by the members of these services and make the return of the clothing a voluntary one, permitting those who have done one year's service or more to purchase their uniforms and boots on payment of a reasonable sum.

Mr. Attlee

As regards the Home Guard perhaps my hon. Friend would be good enough to await the statement which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War is making in answer to Questions later on the Order Paper. A similar statement as regards the Civil Defence Services will be made by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary on Thursday next in reply to Questions already on the Order Paper.

Mr. De la Bère

Does not the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that this is a particularly modest request which is being made; and would it not be possible to allow those who have served throughout to have their clothing, including great coats, absolutely free?

Captain Cunningham-Reid

What is the point of waiting for Questions which will not be reached?