§ Mr. Baldryasked the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received from the organisation, Defence begins at Home, proposing a home defence force as an extension of the Territorial Army; what response he has made; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeeSince November 1982 Ministers have met leading members of the Defence begins at Home organisation on four occasions. The organisation has explained its proposal for the raising of a large-scale volunteer force to supplement the regular, TA and reserve forces which are dedicated to home defence. The organisation has also provided Ministers with a number of pamphlets and papers. The Government will keep under review the ideas of Defence begins at Home as they develop, and, in reaching final decisions on the proposals, will consider the extent to which the requirement for enhanced home defence will be met by the expansion of the home service force, the existing volunteer formations and better utilisation of reservist manpower generally.