49. Mr. REDMONDasked the Secretary of State for War whether it is under consideration to alter the Army Order relating to posthumous honours, so that decorations other than the Victoria Cross may be conferred in cases where the officer or man concerned met with death in the performance of acts of conspicuous gallantry in the field; and whether he is aware that there is a feeling that this change should be made?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI am aware that there is a feeling that there should be some alteration in the present practice, and I explained in an answer I gave to my hon. and learned Friend on 25th October the steps I have taken. I fear I can add nothing to-day. The matter is not one which can be settled offhand.
Mr. REDMONDHas this point been under investigation. Is the right hon. 29 Gentleman aware that I was informed by the War Office that the only thing that had been under investigation and settled was that a posthumous honour might be given in the case of a man who died after the honour had been allotted to him but before it was actually given to him, and that if the death occurred in the performance of the deed of heroism it was impossible?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEthat was undoubtedly the original decision, but the whole question of posthumous honours is under review at the present moment, and I am not in a position to answer, but I hope to be able to do so soon.