§ VISCOUNT BUCKMASTERMy Lords, I beg to ask the first question standing on the Paper in my name.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government what steps are being taken to deal with the shortage of numbers in the Home Guard in those areas where, in spite of recruiting being continued, units are below strength, and whether they intend to reopen recruiting for the Home Guard in all areas in view of the fact that its numbers are being reduced as younger men are called up, and will be further diminished when those unfit are eliminated.]
§ THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (LORD CROFT)My Lords, recruiting for the Home Guard is still permitted with the approval of area commanders where strengths have not yet met immediate requirements, and vacancies caused by younger men being called up or unfit eliminated will be filled under these conditions. As the rôle of the Home Guard is static and local, areas in which required members are not available cannot be made up by recruitment from other areas.
§ VISCOUNT BUCKMASTERMy Lords, I beg to ask the second question standing in my name.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government whether they are aware that many members of the Home Guard would be unable to perform the longer hours of duty which the winter will entail, and what steps are being taken to deal with this position.]
§ LORD CROFTMy Lords, consideration is being given to the whole question of the status of the Home Guard, include- 416 ing the factors raised by the approach of winter conditions. I am unable to make any further statement in public, but I can assure my noble friend that these points are being most anxiously considered and it is hoped that a definite decision will be reached in the immediate future.