§ LORD HENRY SCOTTasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether, seeing that the senior officers who took part in the Cape Frontier War of 1877–8, and in the Zulu War of 1879, have been rewarded for their services, he is able to announce that the Government will issue medals for the above-mentioned campaigns, as a means of recognizing the services of the junior officers, noncommissioned officers, and men; and, if so, how soon the issue may be expected?
§ MR. CHILDERSIn answer to the noble Lord, I have to say that conflicting opinions have been expressed as to the design for the medal for the South African campaigns; but this has now been settled, and the medals will be struck at once. Of the regiments concerned, those on Home service will be able to prepare their rolls of names in about three weeks; but a longer time will be necessarily required as regards corps abroad. The distribution will be made as fast as the names can be engraved on the medals after the rolls shall have been severally received and approved. I understand that the delay which has hitherto occurred in the issue of medals has caused great dissatisfaction; and I may state that a plan is now being considered by which, I hope, this delay will be greatly reduced.