HC Deb 07 August 1940 vol 364 cc223-4W
Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is now intended to equip officers and section leaders of the Home Guard with sub- machine guns, in view of the fact that Nazi parachute troops are generally equipped with these weapons?

Mr. Law

I think my hon. Friend will agree that it would not be in the public interest to disclose information on this subject.

Sir H. Williams

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in the event of members of the Home Guard being on continuous duty for a substantial period, they will be accorded the same protection in respect of the restoration of their employment as they would enjoy had they been called up under the Military Service Act?

Mr. Law

The provisions as to reinstatement in civil employment which are contained in Section 14 of the National Service (Armed Forces) Act, 1939, are based on the principle that compulsory reinstatement should apply to men compulsorily called from employment for whole-time service in the Forces. The Defence Regulations under which the Home Guard is established provide that members of the Force shall not be required to give whole-time service, the object being to enable Home Guards to carry out their duties without cessation of their civil employment.

Sir C. Rawson

asked the Secretary of State for War whether consideration is being given to the question of providing thicker clothing and overcoats for the Home Guard during the winter nights, as the great proportion of these volunteers are at business in the daytime and the existing thin material is already inadequate for night duty?

Mr. Law

Members of the Home Guard will be provided with greatcoats. The denim overalls are intended for wear over ordinary clothing, the provision of which according to the requirements of the season will remain the responsibility of the individual himself.

Lieut.-Colonel Acland-Troyte

asked the Secretary of State for War what the approximate cost will be of supplying new armbands, etc., to the Home Guard in consequence of changing their name from the Local Defence Volunteers; and whether, in view of this expense, he will reconsider this decision?

Mr. Eden

The cost involved by the adoption of the new title is about £3,500. It is not proposed to reconsider the decision.