§ 19. Mr. GILBERTasked the Secretary of State for War whether any decision has yet been come to as to the issue of a Home-service medal to all officers, noncommissioned officers, and men who came under hostile fire in the United Kingdom during the war years; whether this question has now been under consideration since 1919; and whether, in view of the age of many of the men who served at Home stations and who are desirous of obtaining such a recognition of their war services, he can state when such a medal would be ready for delivery if it is decided to issue one?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSAs explained by the late Secretary of State on more than one occasion, it was impossible to deal with this question until the preparation and issue of the War medals were well advanced. The question is however now receiving careful consideration, and I hope a decision will not be long delayed.
§ Lieut.-Colonel NALLWill the right hon. Gentleman undertake not to promise the issue of any more War medals until outstanding questions relating to the Territorial Force medal have been cleared up?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI am trying to avoid any promise.
§ Captain LOSEBYWill the right hon. Gentleman also bear in mind that if many more of these medals are issued, the value of the medal will be completely gone?
§ Mr. HURDWill the right hon. Gentleman consider whether the value of the service is not the true measure?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSBoth of those and all other considerations are taken into account.
§ Mr. SWANWill the right hon. Gentleman see that men who served get proper 812 designations on their medals? Men who have received the medal have on it a wrong designation, and they cannot get it altered.
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSIf the hon. Gentleman will give me particulars, I will look into the matter.