asked the Secretary of State for War on whose authority an A.A. gun and a T.A. recruiting centre were set up at the entrance to Hadley House, Barnet, on Saturday, 5th July, on the occasion of the holding there of a Conservative Party fête; if he is aware that members of the public assumed there was some connection between the two; and if he will take steps to see that the laudable object of T.A. recruiting is not prejudiced by being associated with less laudable activities.

The anti-aircraft gun and a Territorial Army recruiting centre were erected on the common opposite Hadley House on the authority of the Commanding Officer in order to advertise the re-formation of his unit and its need for recruits. Although there was no reason why it should have been assumed that there was any connection with the fête, I am taking steps to ensure that nothing should be done which may create the impression that party gatherings are a suitable occasion to undertake the nonparty work of recruiting for the Territorial Army.

May I take it then that the use of this gun will be reserved for a party which has no big guns of its own?

Is the Secretary of State aware that this fête, attended by 10,000 people—which is more than the attendance at Labour meetings in Barnet in an entire year—was a splendid opportunity to get recruits for the Territorial Army? Is not the Question therefore a little petty?

I am very interested to hear that there was such a large gathering. I had now better look into my recruiting figures arising out of the meeting.

Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that every channel should be used to increase recruiting for the Territorial Army? Is he not aware that between the two wars only the Conservative Party encouraged recruiting?

I agree that we should utilise the help and ask for the assistance of all hon. Members and of all associations with which they are connected. I am certainly of the opinion, as I am sure all hon. Members are that it would be right to keep party politics out of this matter as much as possible.