HC Deb 07 November 1950 vol 480 c743
7. Sir I. Fraser

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has any statement to make as to the setting up of a Home Guard.

Mr. Strachey

Not yet.

Sir I. Fraser

Is the Minister aware that the British Legion would give all possible help to the Army in recruiting such a force, but that it is desirable to announce the intention or deny it as soon as possible in order that these men may choose their best form of national service?

Mr. Strachey

I quite agree. It is just because of the obligation of deciding priorities between these different forms of auxiliary service that we cannot make a premature announcement, but we hope to do so in the very near future.

General Sir George Jeffreys

Is the Minister aware that many men are delaying engaging in Civil Defence because they served before in the Home Guard and wish to do so again? Would it not be well to make a decision in view of the great service the Home Guard has performed?

Mr. Strachey

There cannot be a unilateral decision on the part of the War Office. It must be taken into account with the priority needs of other Departments.