54. Mr. De la Béreasked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the issue of a new medal to those members of the special constabulary who have completed, or who are completing, their second period of 10 years' service in the force, as the special constables concerned feel that a bar to the original medal, issued in a previous reign, is not appropriate?
§ Sir S. HoareIt would be contrary to practice to award a second medal in such circumstances.
Mr. De la BéreDoes my right hon. Friend realise the very important work that these special constables have done and the very valuable services that they have rendered, and would it not be a great encouragement to them if their services were recognised in the way suggested?
§ Sir S. HoareI certainly recognise the great value of the services done, but I do not understand that there is any feeling of discontent in regard to this matter. The question of medals must have some relation to the practice in the fighting services. At present I understand that the position is not unsatisfactory.
§ Major ColfoxDoes the right hon. Gentleman consider that even 10 years of these valuable services warrant the grant of one medal as compared with what is involved in earning a war medal?