§ MR. JOHN HUTTON (Yorkshire, Richmond)To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will state when it is intended to issue medals to the remainder of the officers and seamen employed in the late operations in China; whether they can be 777 distributed before the Coronation; and whether it is intended to make a gratuity to the officers and seamen employed in those operations; and, if so, what will be the amount, and when will it probably be paid.
(Answer.) The issue of these medals is being proceeded with as rapidly as possible, and orders have been given to the home ports, the Marine Divisions, the Channel and Cruiser Squadrons, and the Mediterranean Fleet, to furnish lists to those entitled to the medals in time for their issue before the Coronation. A gratuity will be granted to the Naval and Marine and Colonial Naval Forces employed in these operations as soon as the necessary arrangements can be made. The amount and probable date of payment cannot be stated at present.—(Admiralty).