§ 12. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Secretary of State for War why only 17 men of the 43rd County of London Battalion of the Home Guard have been fitted with uniforms; and why second-hand shirts are being issued to all ranks.
§ Mr. HeadSixty-nine men of this unit were completely fitted out by 22nd April. New clothing issued for the two weeks period of Z Reservist training is cleaned or laundered, inspected and, if satisfactory, issued to units.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonIs the right hon. Gentleman not a little ashamed of his rather shabby treatment of the Home Guard, and is not he aware that it is bad for recruiting and morale if men have to buy their own shirts and other articles of equipment? Is it really his intention 1936 to turn these public spirited volunteers into the position of the old clothes brigade?
§ Mr. HeadNo, that is the very reverse of my intention. The point is that these shirts and other equipment have been issued for two weeks Z Reserve training, and it would seem very wasteful that they should never be used again, if after laundering and repair they are perfectly serviceable. It was found that in this particular case there were some shirts which should not have been issued and they have been withdrawn and replaced by others.
§ Mr. ShinwellMay I ask if this is not a second-hand Government?