§ MR. DAVID MORGAN (Essex, Walthamstow)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a number of non - commissioned officers and men have been 1379 recommended by commanding officers of corps for the medal for meritorious service (peace) who have been waiting for such; and whether he will arrange that at the Coronation such men shall be granted the medal at once, even if they have to wait for the gratuity.
LORD STANLEYThe hon. Member appears to be referring to the grant of a medal for meritorious service which is awarded only to soldiers above the rank of corporal who are selected for an annuity for long, valuable and meritorious service. The grant of the medal is dependent entirely on the grant of the annuity, and the grant of the annuity depends on the occurrence of a vacancy. It is accordingly impossible to accede to the hon. Member's request.