HC Deb 01 May 1902 vol 107 cc421-2
MR. CAINE

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he will explain why the Cornish Volunteer service company who served in the South African war, and returned home twelve months ago, have not yet received their clasps for the South African war medal, while other Volunteer service companies, returning at the same time, have received these clasps some months ago.

LORD STANLEY

It is necessary to check the Volunteer rolls with the rolls of the line battalion to which they were attached, to prevent mistakes; and it has not yet been found possible to check the roll of the line battalion concerned. The rolls are being checked with all possible despatch, but the work, as the hon. Member will understand, is laborious, and requires considerable care.

MR. CAINE

Can the noble Lord say when the checking will be completed?

LORD STANLEY

No, Sir.

MR. CAINE

Six months, or a year or two hence?

LORD STANLEY

I think the hon. Member will find, on inquiry, that extraordinary expedition has been shown in this matter of getting out the medals for the Volunteer companies.