§ 34. Mr. PETOasked the Secretary to the Board of Trade whether the silver badge which is issued to men invalided out of the Navy and Army and various auxiliary forces is only issued to men of the mercantile marine who are serving under special naval engagements in His Majesty's ships and auxiliaries; and, if so in view of the national service performed by officers and men of the whole mercantile marine, whether he will see that this badge is issued to all men who have to relinquish their employment on account of wounds or injuries received which are caused by enemy action?
Mr. ROBERTSThe silver badge is at present only given in the cases mentioned by the hon. Gentleman. The question whether it cannot also be given in the other cases which he suggests is now being considered by the Board of Trade and the Admiralty, and I hope to be able to inform him of the decision before long.
§ Mr. PETOWill the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that this question has been put to the Board of Trade for at least nine months past, and that we have had the same kind of reply, and is there any real reason for discriminating in this matter between the men of the merchant service and the men of other services?
Mr. ROBERTSI am aware of that. The matter is under consideration, and I hope shortly to be able to announce a decision.
§ Mr. BILLINGWill the men of the mercantile marine be entitled to wear decorations at the end of the War?