§ Mr. Leslieasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will in the national interest reorganise the Home Guard on a proper national basis free from factory and commercial firms influence, where workers are too often subjected to coercion and victimisation, and control placed in the hands of men with little or no military training or experience?
§ Mr. EdenThere is no essential distinction between factory and other detachments of the Home Guard. Their functions have been under consideration and general instructions will be issued in accordance with the principles which were outlined in the House on 6th November by my hon. Friend the Joint Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State.
§ Sir R. Gowerasked the Secretary of State for War whether Army procedure and regulations permit Home Guards to retain possession of any lethal weapons which they capture from the King's enemies; and whether he will state under what statutory authority this is so?
§ Mr. EdenThe answer to the first part of the Question is "No, Sir." The second part, therefore, does not arise.