§ 45. Mr. Keelingasked the Prime Minister whether he has given further consideration to the suggestion that a Merchant Service cross and medal be instituted for gallantry in action against the enemy?
§ The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Attlee)The awards available in the Merchant Navy are the George Cross, appointment to the appropriate Class of the Order of the British Empire, the George Medal, the British Empire Medal, and Commendation for brave conduct. The Victoria Cross may also be granted, and for services in operations under the orders of the Royal Navy military awards are given. The Albert Medal in Gold, the Albert Medal, and the Silver and Bronze Medals for Saving Life at Sea are also available. Bars may be awarded to both Crosses and to all these Medals. The Merchant Navy is thus already accorded a wide range of appropriate honours and awards, but the matter is being further investigated.
§ Mr. KeelingDoes my right hon. Friend agree with the recent statement of an ex-First Sea Lord and member of the War Cabinet, that the Navy and the Merchant Service are sister Services with a common task and a common responsibility and that there ought not to be two different types of honour for the same work?
§ Mr. AttleeI would rather see that Question on the Paper.