§ 23. Lieut.-Colonel DALRYMPLE WHITEasked the Secretary of State for War if the list of clasps to the war medal has been completed; if so, whether he will state what clasps have been settled upon; and, if not completed, if he will state the reasons for the long delay in arriving at a conclusion?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThe question of the issue[...] of battle clasps for the British war medal has been most carefully examined, both Departmentally and by a Committee specially appointed for the purpose, but a definite decision has not yet been reached. The delay in arriving at a conclusion is due to the difficulty of settling the principles on which separate clasps should be awarded; to the consideration of the administrative difficulties entailed in securing an equitable award; and to the financial considerations involved in any proposed scheme of this character.
§ Lieut.-Colonel WHITEDoes the right hon. Gentleman suggest that financial considerations would affect the issue of clasps? Surely the nation will be willing to give a clasp.
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSMy hon. and gallant Friend must realise that financial considerations can never be entirely absent from a matter of this sort. On the other hand, he may rely that we are not likely to be mean in a matter of this sort. Nevertheless, the various ways, which all incur considerable expense, must be carefully considered.
Captain TERRELLDoes the right hon. Gentleman's Department intend to differentiate between the clasps awarded to staff officers and those awarded to regimental officers?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSIf my hon. Friend presses that question, he must give notice. The general answer is no.