HC Deb 20 January 1942 vol 377 cc235-6W
Sir C. Rawson

asked the Secretary of State for War whether consideration will be given to increasing the subsistence allowance granted to Home Guards to bring it in line with moneys given to other part-time voluntary services?

Sir E. Grigg

The rates of subsistence allowance for the Home Guard have been revised, and the new rates will be announced shortly. In the revision account has been taken of the rates paid to other part-time voluntary services.

Lieutenant Butcher

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he proposes to make any special provisions for the physical and moral welfare of youths who are now being accepted in the Home Guard under the National Service Acts?

Sir E. Grigg

No special arrangements are made for the physical and moral welfare of the Home Guard as a whole, but Home Guard duties have generally been found to have a beneficial effect on the health of those youths who join. Special attention is paid to the physical and moral welfare of the youths between 16 and 17 who are being advised to join the Army Cadets, officers and instructors being carefully selected from this point of view.

Sir G. Jeffreys

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps are taken to improve local transport arrangements for the Home Guard; and whether periodic reports on their efficiency are sent to headquarters?

Captain Margesson

Local transport for the Home Guard is normally provided by the Royal Army Service Corps, but where Royal Army Service Corps, vehicles are not available the responsibility for providing transport may be delegated to Territorial Army Associations or Home Guard units may be authorised to hire locally. Periodical inspections are made to check the efficiency of these arrangements.