§ Sir Smedley Crookeasked the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been drawn to the expressed wish of many members of the H.G. who are anxious to serve on the Continent in the forthcoming assault and who feel that as they now are so well trained and prepared they should be given the opportunity, if they so desire, to fight side by side with units of the Regular Army; and will he give consideration to this proposal.
§ Sir J. GriggWhile I appreciate the spirit of members of the Home Guard who wish to serve on the continent, such a suggestion is, I regret, not practicable. The Home Guard is a part-time force and a large proportion of its members is performing work of national importance in a civilian capacity. Such work will have to continue when the Regular Army goes overseas.