§ Sir T. Mooreasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the compulsory enrolment of youths from 16 to 18 years of age in the Home Guard who do not volunteer for the new Junior Air Force?
Colonel A. Evansasked the Prime Minister whether in view of the urgent need for trained and partially trained men for Home Defence and the period of time which often elapses between the date a man is liable for military service and his actual calling-up notice, he will have included in forthcoming legislation, dealing with man-power for the fighting-services, a provision making it obligatory for all men to enlist in the Home Guard on the date they are actually liable for military service and to perform their necessary duties with that body until such a time as they are called up for active service with His Majesty's Regular Forces?
§ Captain MargessonThe Home Guard is essentially a volunteer force of men who are willing and anxious to perform the duties and to undergo the training required of them without any form of compulsion and without pay. To introduce an element of conscription would necessitate methods of discipline which are not now wanted, and would, I think, have other undesirable effects. Apart from this, there is the fact that, owing to the overwhelming response to the opportunity of rendering service in the Home Guard, recruiting has been suspended except where vacancies exist. I think my hon. and gallant Friends will agree, therefore, that the difficulties entailed by their suggestions would greatly outweigh any advantages which might accrue.
§ Sir T. Mooreasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to make a statement in regard to the details of the reconstruction of the Home Guard?
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§ Captain MargessonThe measures outlined last Session are now being carried out, and my hon. Friend the Joint Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State will be prepared to make a statement upon them very shortly.