HC Deb 05 July 1911 vol 27 cc1138-9
Mr. KELLAWAY

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to the dissatisfaction caused amongst the provincial police by the reported decision not to grant them a medal for their exceptional services during the Coronation; and whether, if it is impracticable to grant a medal to all the provincial police, he will consider the desirability of recommending a decoration for those officers who have served in three reigns?

Mr. GULLAND

The Home Secretary, who is attending a meeting of the Privy Council, has asked me to answer this question for him. The King has been graciously pleased to command that the police medal issued to commemorate their Majesties' Coronation should be granted to a certain number of the members of every police force in the United Kingdom. As a general rule, the medals will be given to men selected for long and meritorious service, in the proportion of one for every twenty members of a force; but in the case of places which His Majesty has paid or is about to pay official visits in connection with the Coronation, medals will be given to all police officers employed on the occasion whose record shows more than ten years of efficient and meritorious service.

Mr. KELLAWAY

Does that mean one in twenty of the whole force, or one in twenty of those who have had long service?

Mr. GULLAND

I should think it will be one for every twenty members of the force.

Mr. MORRELL

Will the medal be the same as that granted to the Metropolitan Police, or will a new medal be issued?

Mr. GULLAND

Perhaps the hon. Member will kindly put that question on the Paper.