§ Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Harry Breen, 44, Orr Street, Greenock, who left Canada and enlisted in 1915, served with distinction in the last war, being awarded Belgian and French decorations, applied for admission to the Home Guard and, though the officers admitted that he is healthy and would be of service, was refused admission because he was 70 years of age; and whether he will review this decision?
§ Mr. EdenThe upper age limit for enrolment in the Home Guard is 65. In view of the character of the duties of the force, which may involve prolonged periods of exposure and considerable physical fatigue, it is not considered that a relaxation of the rule would be in the interests of the efficiency of the forces, and I regret, therefore, that I cannot see my way to review the decision in the case to which my hon. and learned Friend has drawn my attention, though I deeply appreciate the patriotic spirit which Mr. Breen has shown.
§ Mr. Dunnasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make arrangements whereby members of the Home 1189W Guard, other than salaried men, called upon for duties which involve loss of wages can have such loss reimbursed?
§ Mr. EdenI would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Rotherham (Mr. Dobbie) on 11th July, of which I am sending him a copy.
§ Mr. Daggarasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that great dissatisfaction is being expressed in Newport, Monmouthshire, at the appointment of the commandant of the Home Guard on the ground that he has been associated with the British Union of Fascists; and whether, in view of the fact that the appointment is having the effect of discouraging men from joining, he will have it reconsidered?
§ Mr. EdenI am aware of the local dissatisfaction referred to by my hon. Friend, but understand after inquiry that the local authorities have expressed themselves satisfied with the explanation given them.