§ 14. Mr. WHELERasked the First Lord of the Admiralty when it is proposed to grant the medals for general services in the operations carried out by His Majesty's Navy in the Persian Gulf in the years 1909 to 1912?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI have nothing to add to the answer I gave to a similar question by the Noble Lord the Member for Portsmouth on the 12th of this month.
§ Mr. WHELERMay I remind the right hon. Gentleman that this matter has been before the House for a year and a half? There were men severely wounded in these operations who have not received the medal which they think they are entitled to.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI have given a great deal of attention to this matter, and have carefully considered the importance of the operations referred to. I am now inquiring whether a general method which would cover all these operations of a similar character cannot be instituted. That is a very important step, which involves reference to many authorities, and no decision has been reached at the present time.
§ Lord NINIAN CRICHTON-STUARTWould the operations in the Aden Hinterland also come under this regulation?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI presume the Noble Lord is referring to the naval ratings engaged in the operations?
§ Lord N. CRICHTON-STUARTTo all the men.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI rather think I have nothing to do with that.