HC Deb 21 May 1910 vol 116 cc377-8
55. Lieut.-Colonel ARTHUR MURRAY

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the 1915 Star has been awarded to many men who were never in the fighting line or under fire, he will consider the advisability of recommending its award to the troops who were in Malta during 1915?

Captain GUEST

It was decided, after careful consideration, that Malta should not be regarded as a theatre of war for the purposes of the"1914–15 Star," and I regret that the matter cannot be re opened.

Lieut.-Colonel MURRAY

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman give any reason why this decision was made, and is it not, the case that these troops, who were in Malta, are being deprived of this 1915 Star owing to a mere technicality?

Captain GUEST

First of all it was decided that Malta could not be regarded as a theatre of war.

Lieut.-Colonel MURRAY

Why?

Captain GUEST

Very many questions have been asked and answered in the House, and I am afraid I cannot add any thing to those replies.