§ 17. Sir C. KINL0CH-C00KEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can say if the men in the mercantile marine are entitled to the 1914 and Victory Medal; and, if so, when the distribution will take place?
On a point of Order. I wish to ask your ruling, Mr. Speaker. You will remember that for many years Admiralty questions always came first on the Paper. We have to-day been occupied for a quarter of an hour or twenty minutes dealing with Indian questions. Will you 1160 kindly see your way to restore Admiralty questions to their old place on Wednesdays, and, if that is not possible, give Admiralty questions an alternative day for the first place?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe matter does not rest with me. It is a matter of arrangement between the hon. Member and the Patronage Secretary.
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Colonel Sir James Craig)Men in the Mercantile Marine are not eligible for the 1914 Star, the award for which is limited to those who belonged to units landed for service in France or Belgium between the 5th August and midnight of the 22nd-23rd November, 1914, but those who served under naval engagements and had the requisite qualifying service are entitled to the 1914–15 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. These decorations are now in course of preparation, but it is not anticipated that they will be ready for issue this year. A public announcement will be made when distribution is begun.