HC Deb 29 May 1951 vol 488 cc23-4
35. Mr. A. R. W. Low

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of officers and men required for the Home Guard on its embodiment and in the preparatory stage.

Mr. Wyatt

The present target figure for the Home Guard on first embodiment is 200,000 all ranks.

Mr. Low

Will the hon. Gentleman please answer the second part of the Question—"and in the preparatory stage"?

Mr. Wyatt

Before the Home Guard is formed a certain number of personnel will be earmarked for important posts in each unit. Of course, the original 200,000 are themselves partly in the preparatory stage, and they will be built up.

Mr. Low

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that "a certain number" is not an answer to the question? What is the number?

Mr. Wyatt

All these details are now being worked out. I am afraid I cannot give any further information at the moment.

Brigadier Rayner

Have Home Guard staff officers been posted to all the commands yet?

Mr. Wyatt

That is another question.

Brigadier Head

When the hon. Gentleman says that details are now being worked out, does he recall that we were told nine months ago that they would be completely worked out in the near future; but nine months have gone and this business is still going on?

Mr. Wyatt

I am talking about the earmarking of key personnel.

Brigadier Head

So was I.