§ 21. Mr. Garro Jonesasked the Secretary of State for War whether there are any set principles upon which decorations are awarded to non-commissioned officers and other ranks for gallantry in the field; whether there are any decorations other than the Victoria Cross which are awarded exclusively for gallantry under fire; what decorations carry gratuities or additions to pensions; and what is the distinction drawn in principle between deeds which are rewarded with a Distinguished Conduct Medal, which carries a gratuity and an increase in pension, and the Military Medal, which appears to carry no such financial perquisites?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThe Victoria Cross, the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Military Medal are awarded to non-commissioned officers and men exclusively for gallantry under fire. The Victoria Cross carries a special pension, and the Distinguished Conduct Medal carries either a gratuity or an addition to pension. The distinction between the award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Military Medal lies in this, that the Distinguished Conduct Medal is defined as being for distinguished conduct in action in the Field, and the Military Medal as being for an act of bravery in the Field.
§ Mr. Garro JonesCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether there are any set Principles upon which these decorations are awarded as between unit and unit, and is there any department or authority in the war Office that can lay down regulations to that effect?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI have defined the various purposes for which these awards 428 are given. I do not think I can define them with much greater precision.
§ Mr. Garro JonesMay I endeavour to get an answer to my question?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe right hon. Gentleman has given an answer.
§ Mr. Garro JonesOn a point of Order. The Minister has not answered the question which I have on the Order Paper. If we are to be foiled just when we are getting to the question that we desire elucidated, it is much better not to put questions on the Order Paper.