HC Deb 25 March 1941 vol 370 cc437-8W
Mr. Granville

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the hardship imposed upon small tradesmen in giving extended credit on articles purchased by Home Guard units; and will he expedite the payment of these outstanding accounts upon a current basis?

Captain Margesson

I am not aware that the settlement of accounts in respect of authorised purchases by Home Guard units is unduly delayed. If my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind, and will let me have details, I shall be glad to look into it.

Mr. Granville

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider arranging for experienced platoon commanders of the Home Guard to be transferred back to their Home Guard unit after they have been called up for regular war service, or, alternatively, to arrange for their exemption from such military service?

Captain Margesson

The Home Guard is essentially a part-time force, and its value lies to a large extent in the fact that it enables men engaged in ordinary civil occupations to make an active contribution to the defence of this country. The exemption of members of the Home Guard from the provisions of the National Service (Armed Forces) Acts or the posting for full-time duty in the Home Guard of men called up under those Acts would be inconsistent with the basic principles of the Force and would not be an economical use of man-power.

Major Mills

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that mem bers of the Home Guard were wearing their own private boots for Home Guard duties from the time of their joining until issued with Army boots; that no Army boots were issued to the Hampshire Territorial Association for distribution to the Home Guard prior to 18th September, 1940; and whether he will allow the official life of initial issues of Army boots to date from the time a man joined the Home Guard if, on discharge or resignation, he wishes to purchase his Army boots?

Captain Margesson

It was generally understood that members of the Home Guard would make temporary use of their own boots and clothing when they first enrolled as a patriotic contribution to the national need. Boots and other articles of dress were issued as rapidly as possible. It would not be possible now to antedate the issue of boots without serious complications, and it would certainly add to the burden of paper which we are endeavouring to lighten. I hope therefore that my hon. and gallant Friend will not press his suggestion.