§ Mr. R. Morganasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the new Army instruction, dated 24th June, saying that no unlicensed or uninsured vehicles may be used by the Local Defence Volunteers and that if the Local Defence Volunteers do accept the loan of these vehicles the cost of licensing and insuring them cannot be met by the War Office, he is aware of the serious effect this will have on the utility of this force, which has already received many offers of vehicles which are not being used by their owners at the present time but who are naturally not prepared to license such vehicles for the Local Defence Volunteers; and whether, in view of the difficulties created, he will reconsider this policy?
§ Mr. EdenThe whole question of the use of vehicles for the purposes of the Local Defence Volunteers is under consideration. My hon. Friend may rest assured that, if I find it necessary to make use of unlicensed or uninsured vehicles, I shall take steps accordingly.
§ Mr. Cocksasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that in certain areas only a small proportion of the men enrolled in the Local Defence Volunteers have been called up for training; and whether he will take steps to remedy this?
§ Mr. EdenI have not received any information of undue delay in beginning the training of Local Defence Volunteers as soon as their enrolment is completed.
§ Mr. Cocksasked the Secretary of State for War whether steps are being taken to provide the Local Defence Volunteers and the Defence Forces generally with caltrops for the purpose of preventing the passage of enemy motor-cyclists and tyred vehicles in hostile hands?
§ Mr. Snaddenasked the Secretary of State for War what steps are being taken to provide emergency rations for members of Local Defence Volunteer units who may be engaged in active operations with the enemy?
§ Mr. EdenArrangements have been made for feeding Local Defence Volunteers in the varied circumstances which may arise, but it would clearly be undesirable to publish details.