HC Deb 23 November 1937 vol 329 cc1001-2
1. Sir Henry Morris-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the question of granting the general service medal, or some other decorative mark of service, to those who served in the forces during the Great War, but who through no fault of their own were not declared to be in the category of those eligible for the decoration when it was issued?

The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Hore-Belisha)

The question of the grant of a medal to all those who served at home only in the military forces during the Great War was very fully considered after the conclusion of hostilities, and it was decided in 1921 that no such grant should be made. It is clear that with the passage of time the difficulties which led to the refusal of a medal or other distinction for home service are not diminished.

Sir H. Morris-Jones

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there are some thousands of men who volunteered early in the War, many of whom were refused permission to go overseas by the superior military authority, who are now placed in a thoroughly invidious position; that there is very grave dissatisfaction among the ex-service men on this question; and will he not reconsider the matter?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

I am aware of the solicitous motive with which my hon. Friend puts this question, but I am sure that he will appreciate that, difficult as it may be for them, the difficulties of referring to every individual almost 20 years after the conclusion of hostilities are almost insuperable.

Sir H. Morris-Jones

Is my right hon. Friend further aware that the interest in this matter is not diminishing; that the recent Armistice celebrations showed appreciably that many of these men feel their position very keenly; and is it not a definite deterrent to recruiting?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

If the interest is increasing, that is probably attributable to the fact that my hon. Friend has raised the question, but the difficulties also are increasing. With regard to the suggestion that the refusal of a medal to those who served at home during the War is decreasing recruiting, that I could not for one moment admit, because it is clearly at variance with the facts, which disclose that there is an increase.