HC Deb 01 July 1930 vol 240 cc1758-9
16. Mr. DAY

asked the Secretary of State for War the present staff employed at the medals branch of the War Office, including the number of officers and civilians, and the pay and allowance of those at present employed at this branch; and the comparable figures for the previous 12 months?

Mr. SHAW

The present staff of the branch, which among other duties deals with the issue of medals, as provided in the current Estimates, is 19 civilians at a cost of £4,700. The corresponding figures for 1929 were one officer and 21 civilians at a cost of £5,500.

Mr. DAY

What duties beside the issue of medals does this staff perform?

Mr. SHAW

The real issue of medals is rather a small part of their work. The greater part of their work deals with disputes as to whether medals ought to be given, and with regulations that are often difficult to interpret.