§ 72. Mr. WHELERasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can now state when the medal for general services in operations carried out by His Majesty's Navy in the Persian Gulf in the years 1909–12 will be granted?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)As I have already stated, a medal is being struck and will shortly be available for distribution.
§ Mr. WHELERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware this question has now been going on for two years, and if, instead of "shortly," he can give a definite date for this medal for those men?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI regret the delay, but the question of Grants in lieu of prize money has also been involved and under consideration, and that has involved correspondents with two other Departments, but the matter will be dealt with as quickly as possible.
§ Mr. LEEWhy is it that those delays always occur with medals, which sometimes are not issued for many years?
§ Colonel YATECan the right hon. Gentleman extend the medals to the year 1913–14 for men doing the same duty?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI will consider that.
§ Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYWill the medal be issued this year?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI hope so.