§ LORD CHARLES BERESFORDI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War if he will explain the cause of the delay in distributing the Benin medal to those officers and men who are entitled to it; and if he can inform the House when the distribution is likely to take place?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. G. J. GOSCHEN,) St. George's, Hanover SquareA certain delay in the distribution of war medals is usually inevitable, owing to the dispersion of ships' companies and other causes. In the case of the Benin Expedition, all the lists were not received from the ships until October, when they had to be carefully examined. The orders to the Mint were given in December, but owing to difficulties in carrying out previous large demands, the Mint have been unable to supply any Benin medals until this month. It is now hoped that the distribution of these medals may be commenced about the middle of next month.