asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the feeling of grievance still existent in Home Guard units at the unnecessary and expensive journeys made in the carrying out of musketry courses; that, on a recent Sunday, approximately 120 men from a Winchmore Hill company travelled to Rainham, with an absence from home of 12 hours, and were unable to fire owing to insufficient ammunition; and whether he will prevent such waste of time in future?

Inquiries have been made, and I think my hon. Friend is probably referring to 147 members of the Home Guard from Winchmore Hill who travelled to Rainham on Sunday, 28th March. One hundred and forty-one of them fired on the average over 17 rounds each. When they were not firing they were given other instruction. Six non-commissioned officers were throughout employed as firing point instructors and did not fire themselves. On the general question I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave him on 15th December last.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are several Home Guard units which have had no musketry exercises at all?

I am not aware of that. I am aware that there has been a shortage of practice ammunition in the past, but I hope that shortage is now being repaired.