asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is his intention to have issued to each member of the Home Guard on disbandment a certificate similar to those issued to the Army after the last war.

As my right hon. Friend will have seen from the newspapers, His Majesty The King has graciously signified his wish that a certificate signed by His Majesty should be issued to all serving members of the Home Guard and to ex-members who apply for it. Issue of these certificates to Territorial Army Associations will commence shortly.

Will women be open to receive these certificates?

I do not think they are members of the Home Guard, but I would rather like notice of that Question.

Captain Duncan:

asked the Secretary of State for War what reductions have been made in the number of regular officers and men serving with the Home Guard since the orders regarding the cessation of compulsory training and parades.

No reductions in establishments have yet been made but certain vacancies which have occurred have not been, filled. Steps are being taken to reduce the number of training officers by 280 and now that it has been decided to stand down the Home Guard the number of Regular officers serving with it will be progressively reduced.

Captain Duncan:

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind the importance of economy in dealing with these matters?

Certainly, Sir. They will not be kept longer than is necessary, but there is a good deal of administrative work to be done in connection with the "stand down" and handing in of equipment.