HC Deb 23 July 1901 vol 97 cc1325-6
MR. WILLIAM JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he will state what facilities will be afforded to members of the House of Commons who desire to attend the distribution of war medals by His Majesty the King at the Horse Guards on Friday, the 25th instant, at 11.30 a.m.

MR. BRODRICK

Members should apply to the general officer commanding the Home District for tickets of admission within the line of sentries. There are no stands.

CAPTAIN SINCLAIR (Forfarshire)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that disappointment is felt by the Fife and Forfar Yeomanry, recently returned from South Africa, respecting the arrangements for the presentation of medals by His Majesty the King on Friday at the Horse Guards Parade, because only forty officers and men are to be allowed to attend the ceremony, and because only those who were invalided home are to have their expenses to, in, and from London refunded; and whether he will explain why it is that the men who have served a full term in South Africa have to pay their own expenses on this occasion, while comrades who may not have seen half so much active service will have their outlay refunded; and whether, subject to the arrangements of His Majesty, such presentation of war medals to Scottish Regiments might in future take place in Scotland.

MR. BRODRICK

The number was confined to forty, as His Majesty was forced to limit the presentation to 3,000, and there were seventy-five companies concerned. As regards the travelling expenses, it is not possible to provide for the travelling of discharged soldiers out of Army funds, and therefore the invalids only could be included. The undistributed medals will be forwarded to the respective general officers commanding districts for presentation. It must be understood that attendance one such an occasion is entirely voluntary.

CAPTAIN SINCLAIR

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question?

MR. BRODRICK

His Majesty cannot undertake to attend in all parts of the Kingdom, and consequently such presentations will be made by either the Lord Lieutenant or the general officer commanding the district when they cannot be made by His Majesty.