§ Sir L. Lyleasked the Secretary of State for War whether, as in Russia, he proposes to give factory workers some training in the use of a rifle and elementary military tactics?
§ Sir E. GriggTraining in the use of a rifle and elementary military tactics is given in the Home Guard. Factory workers are encouraged to join either their local Home Guard unit or the unit at the factory where they work and many of them have taken advantage of this opportunity to obtain such training. So far as I can see, no advantage would be gained by introducing additional facilities outside the organisation of the Home Guard.
Miss Wardasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the recent decision to grant war pensions for injury and/or death to the Home Guard, it is proposed to institute medical examination for members of the Home Guard?
§ Sir E. GriggThe decision to grant war pensions for injury and/or death to the Home Guard is not new. It has been in 61W existence since the inception of the Force although the Royal Warrant has only recently been published. The terms have been clearly indicated from the beginning on the enrolment form to all men joining the Force. It is not at present intended to institute any general medical examination for members of the Home Guard, but it may be desirable to arrange an examination in certain special cases which are under consideration.
§ Lieut.-Commander Tufnellasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the number of men who have volunteered and are now serving their country in the Home Guard, and are at present indistinguishable from men not yet called up, he will consider issuing a badge to these service men to indicate that they are part of the nation's forces?
§ Captain MargessonI would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Wansbeck (Mr. Scott) on 25th March, 1941, of which I am sending him a copy.