§ 68. Mr. Swinglerasked the Secretary of State for War what is the total number of men recruited to the Home Guard at the latest date for which figures are available; and if he is satisfied with the progress of recruitment.
§ Mr. HeadBy 15th October enrolments totalled 22,026. In addition, 19,733 men were registered for enrolment in an emergency. Although not as good as I had hoped, these figures show a gradual and sustained build up.
§ Major Beamishasked the Secretary of State for War what steps he has been able to take to improve publicity for 188W the Home Guard by making funds available for this purpose; and whether he is aware that one of the main reasons why insufficient recruits have come forward is on account of inadequate publicity.
§ Mr. HeadI am well aware of the importance of publicity where all forms of recruiting are concerned. Funds are necessarily limited. I do not think that a lack of publicity is the main reason for insufficient recruits for the Home Guard.