HC Deb 21 August 1940 vol 364 cc1284-5
21. Mr. Ammon

asked the Secretary of State for Air what conclusion has been reached on the question whether the Distinguished Flying Cross and Distinguished Flying Medal should be replaced by one decoration for which officers and airmen should both be eligible?

Sir A. Sinclair

As the hon. Member is aware, the question whether a change should be made of the kind suggested was referred for advice to the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals in Time of War, on which all three military Services are represented. The Committee have now reported that it is their considered view that no change should be made in the present arrangements relative to the conditions of award for the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Distinguished Flying Medal. I have consulted my right hon. Friends the First Lord of the Admiralty and the Secretary of State for War, and I accept the Committee's recommendation.

Mr. Ammon

Is it right that this new Service should accept the snobbish traditions of the old Services, and that the sergeant pilots who distinguished themselves last week should have a decoration inferior to that of an officer?

Sir A. Sinclair

I must demur to the suggestion made by my hon. Friend. There are no snobbish distinctions in the Royal Air Force. Nobody who has been around stations in the Royal Air Force and has seen the officers and men, and the sergeants, together would think that there was the slightest snobbishness. I must also demur most strongly to the idea that the Medal is in any way inferior hi honour.

Mr. Ammon

Why keep the distinction? Snobbishness is surely at the heart of it.

Sir A. Sinclair

There is no snobbishness. One of many reasons for keeping the Medal is the splendid traditions which have clustered around and now are associated with the Medal. Men who have that Medal are, I believe, just as proud as those who have the Cross.

Mr. Mathers

Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that it is in the public mind that this class distinction rankles?

Sir A. Sinclair

I hope that hon. Members will try to remove that idea.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Why not make both decorations available to officers and men alike?