HC Deb 25 July 1940 vol 363 cc1007-8W
Mr. Ammon

asked the Secretary of State for War why his promise that Mr. Jack Ward, V.C., would be reinstated in the Manchester Local Defence Volunteers has not been implemented?

Sir E. Grigg

The extent to which the existing rule should be modified has been under consideration, and it has now been decided that an applicant whose father was not a British subject may be enrolled if he served in His Majesty's armed forces in the war 1914–18, or has satisfactorily completed a period of not less than three years on full pay in His Majesty's regular forces. In no circumstances will an applicant be enrolled if, in addition to British nationality, he possesses German, Austrian or Italian nationality. Instructions to this effect will be issued shortly, and the question of Mr. Jack White's reinstatement will be dealt with accordingly.

Sir F. Fremantle

asked the Secretary of State for War what arrangement is made for the medical care and treatment of men of the Home Guard when, on duty; and whether he has considered an offer by the secretary of the Central Medical War Committee to ask civil practitioners to undertake this duty as their contribution to home defence?

Sir E. Grigg

Free medical care and treatment is provided for men of the Home Guard when on duty. It is proposed to take full advantage of the generous offer made by the Central Medical War Committee, for which my right hon. Friend is most grateful.

Mr. Silkin

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a natural-born British subject, the son of non-enemy un-naturalised aliens, is eligible for membership of the Local Defence Volunteers?

Mr. Eden

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to-day to my hon. Friend the Member for Camberwell, North (Mr. Ammon).