HC Deb 13 November 1951 vol 493 cc795-6
13. Brigadier O. L. Prior-Palmer

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is intended to form the Home Guard on a cadre or full-strength basis.

20. Sir Ian Fraser

asked the Secretary of State for War the Government's proposals for the re-establishment of the Home Guard.

Mr. Head

Detailed proposals are now under consideration. I hope to make a statement very shortly.

Brigadier Prior-Palmer

When my right hon. Friend is considering these details, will he take two things into account—one, the necessity for the inclusion of Regular officers and men whose reserve service has expired but who have had war experience in the last war; and, secondly, the use of mobile columns to give assistance to Civil Defence in order to relieve the Regular Army of their present commitments in this field?

Mr. Head

I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that both these matters are very much in our minds.

Sir I. Fraser

When does the Minister propose to make this statement?

Mr. Head

I should think very probably it will be next week.

Colonel L. Ropner

Has it yet been decided whether the Home Guard administration should be by the Territorial Army Association?

Mr. Head

I should not like to anticipate the statement I am going to make next week.

Mr. George Wigg

Could the right hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that he will consult the T.U.C. and the employers' organisations about this matter?

Mr. Head

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that all the bodies concerned will be consulted before this Bill is introduced.