§ 17. Mr. BUTCHERasked the Secretary of State for War whether the difficulties in the way of awarding military distinctions posthumously can be surmounted by limiting such awards to future cases, without in any way disturbing recommendations already made; and whether he will consider the advisability by this means of 843 providing official recognition for acts of conspicuous bravery for which no such recognition is now provided?
§ Mr. FORSTERNo, Sir; it is considered that the practice could not be altered without a grave injustice to those who under the existing practice have not been granted military distinctions posthumously.
§ Mr. BUTCHERCannot the authorities see their way to prevent injustice in the future? Would there be any real hardship upon those who have in the past deserved this distinction?
§ Mr. FORSTERThat is the effect of the answer I have just given.
§ Mr. BUTCHERWhy cannot the authorities avoid injustice in the future?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe whole question has been very carefully considered, and I have announced the decision at which those who are responsible have arrived at the result of their investigations?
§ Colonel YATEWill the hon. Gentleman have the matter reconsidered?
§ Mr. FORSTERNo, I do not think so.