HC Deb 22 August 1940 vol 364 cc1488-90W
Sir G. Fox

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give an assurance that the title of Home Guard instead of Local Defence Volunteers is an alteration of title only; and that the Home Guard will only be required to serve in the locality in which it is enrolled?

Mr. Keeling

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give an assurance that the change in title from Local Defence Volunteers to Home Guard does not imply that members will be asked to serve away from their own localities?

Mr. Law

The alteration in title has not involved any other change in regard to the Force, and the provision that its members cannot be required to live away from their homes remains unaffected.

Sir G. Fox

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the issue of uniforms and mackintosh sheets to members of the Home Guard is likely to be substantially increased in the near future; and whether it is proposed to make an issue of one of each to every member of the Home Guard?

Mr. Law

The answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir." Each volunteer will be provided with uniform. Mackintosh sheets are being issued on the scale of one sheet to four men.

Mr. Keeling

asked the Secretary of State for War how orders are to be enforced and discipline maintained in the Home Guard without violating the principle of equality of status laid down in Army Council Instruction 924; and In the absence, which has been announced, of commissioned and non-commissioned ranks, how battalion managers should address their men and vice versa?

Mr. Law

There are no commissioned or non-commissioned ranks in the Home Guard, but there are various appointments carrying power of command, and all members of the Home Guard are subject to military law. I see no reason to anticipate any difficulty in this matter. The form of address which members of the Force should use to one another is left to their good sense and good manners.

Mr. Lindsay

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has completed his investigations into the case of Mr. James Bostock; and whether he can now make a full statement?

Mr. Law

A change in the command of the Stafford Home Guard was made because of certain information which was received by the local military authorities. Further inquiries have shown that this information was based on a misunderstanding. As my hon. Friend was told in answer to a previous Question, there is no reflection upon Mr. Bostock's loyalty or military competence, upon his family or upon the firm with which his family have been associated for so long. I should like to add that I should be sorry if any injury has been caused to Mr. Bostock, or his family or business interests, and that the Home Guard will be glad to avail itself of Mr. Bostock's services if opportunity offers.

Mr. J. Morgan

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is his intention to equip the Home Guard with service gas masks or respirators; and, if so, when?

Mr. Eden

It is intended to equip the Home Guard with service respirators, but I am unable to say when these will be available.