52. Wing-Commander Jamesasked the Prime Minister for how many soldiers, sailors and airmen supplies of ribbons of the Africa and 1939–43 Stars have already been despatched for issue?
§ The Prime MinisterThe ribbon of the Africa Star has been sent out in sufficient quantities to provide for the decorating of 365,200 officers and men. The ribbon of the 1939–43 Star is available for 33,120 persons. The demand for the latter Star is not so large.
§ Major C. S. TaylorWhen shall we have the promised Debate on these Stars?
§ The Prime MinisterWell, I hope after the new Session begins.
§ Sir Alfred BeitWhen the Prime Minister says that the demand is not so large for the second Star, does that mean that the individual recipients have to demand it themselves, or is it issued automatically through headquarters?
§ The Prime MinisterI thought that the first thing was to get it out to the men in the Mediterranean, and the airmen and sailors engaged in the most severe forms of fighting here, I said that the demand is not so large. I should have said that the case is not so urgent.