17. Mr. NEWDEGATEasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make arrangements that for the future soldiers duly recommended for the Meritorious Service Medal shall receive that medal according to the priority of the recommendations?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Colonel Seely)The award of this medal depends upon the age, amount of pension, length of service, character and record of service of the candidate. Every care is taken to ensure that the award is made strictly in accordance with merit.
Mr. NEWDEGATEMay I ask whether it is the case that there are several soldiers who have been recommended for the Meritorious Service Medal and have been twenty years without receiving it, and if it is the case that soldiers recommended at a much recent date have already received the medal?
§ Colonel SEELYI am certain every care is taken to ensure that the awards shall be made strictly in accordance with the merits, taking into consideration all the facts of the case. I have satisfied myself these awards are made strictly in accordance with merit.