§ Mr. Toucheasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make any statement regarding the provision of steel helmets for members of the Local Defence Volunteers?
§ Mr. LawArrangements are being made for the issue of a steel helmet to every member of the Local Defence Volunteers. These issues are now beginning, and the rate of delivery will greatly increase in the near future.
Mr. Palmerasked the Minister of Transport whether he will make arrangements to permit members of the Local Defence Volunteer force to ride bicycles at night without lights in cases where such lights would prejudice the performance of their duties?
§ Sir J. ReithI have consulted my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War, who is satisfied that no special arrangements, or alterations in the existing law regarding the lighting of bicycles at night, are required for this purpose.
§ Mr. Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for War what are the age limits for Local Defence Volunteers; and what precautions are taken to prevent the enrolment of persons who are known to be mentally or temperamentally unsuitable?
1366Wing table shows the present numbers of stock on deer forests in the various counties concerned compared with the numbers last year.
§ Mr. EdenThe ages for enrolment are 17 to 65. Enrolment is conducted by company commanders, who are normally individuals of considerable general experience and local knowledge, and this should be an adequate safeguard against the enrolment of unsuitable persons.
§ Mr. Dobbieasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will, in the interest of efficiency, consider the advisability of making payments to members of the Local Defence Volunteers in cases where men have to lose turns of duty from their ordinary employment as a result of their duties as members of the Local Defence Volunteers; and of stating the circumstances under which payment will be made?
§ Mr. LawUnder the Defence (Local Defence Volunteers) Regulations, 1940, volunteers are required to undertake to serve without pay, and the policy is to use volunteers on military duty at times which will not interfere with their civil employment. Exceptions may arise in emergency, but emergencies may interfere with the employment of any citizen in present circumstances.