§ 71. Mr. DOUGLAS HALLasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will state the reasons why Sergeant Watson, of the Ryde 1011 Borough Police, has not been granted the Coronation medal notwithstanding the fact that he was the oldest police constable serving in the Isle of Wight at the time of the Coronation of King George, with thirty years' service with exemplary conduct to his credit, during twenty of which he had served as a sergeant; and whether, in view of these facts, he can see his way to authorise the bestowal of an extra medal on this deserving officer?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. McKenna)A certain number of medals was assigned to each police force in proportion to its numbers. In advising His Majesty as to the distribution of these medals to officers other than chief constables, I was guided by the recommendation of their chiefs. In the case of Ryde, Mr. Watson was not the officer selected for recommendation. I am sorry that I cannot now advise the bestowal of any further medals.
§ Mr. DOUGLAS HALLWill the right hon. Gentleman inquire why Sergeant Watson was not selected? It has been a gross miscarriage of ordinary justice.
§ Mr. McKENNAThere may be more than one opinion on that point.