HC Deb 10 August 1920 vol 133 cc206-7
12. Colonel ASHLEY

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the special annuity of £50 per year granted to a recipient of the Victoria Cross who is totally unable to earn a livelihood in consequence of age or infirmity is no longer adequate, and having regard to the rise in the cost of living that has taken place since that amount was first fixed, he is prepared to consider an increase of the amount to the total disablement rate for a private in the Great War, as fixed by the Royal Warrant of September, 1919, namely, 40s. per week?

Sir A. WILLIAMSON (Parliamentary Secretary, War Office)

I am at present considering, in conjunction with other Departments, the question of making some increase in this annuity

13. Colonel ASHLEY

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is in a position to announce the amount which it is proposed to add to the sum annually allotted for meritorious service medal annuities; whether, in view of the large waiting list of applicants for the medal, some of whom have been registered over 20 years, he can give an assurance that fell claims will be considered according to seniority; and whether he will permit men whose claims to the decoration have been approved to wear the ribbon pending the issue of the medal itself?

Sir A. WILLIAMSON

It is not proposed to increase the annual allotment. All claims are considered in order of seniority, but it is not possible to award the medal to all those who have been approved for registration, and I regret that a candidate registered for the award cannot be permitted to wear the ribbon in anticipation.

Colonel ASHLEY

If more money cannot be given—which I can understand—why cannot the man who has his claim proved wear the ribbon?

Sir. A. WILLIAMSON

Because approval for registration does not necessarily mean that he gets the medal.

Colonel ASHLEY

If he can be given the medal, why cannot he be allowed to wear the ribbon?

Sir A. WILLIAMSON

As soon as he is approved for the medal, he gets the medal and the ribbon.

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