HC Deb 21 January 1942 vol 377 c341
33. Mr. Bellenger

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that officers and other ranks who have served afloat in the present war and have subsequently been discharged owing to medical unfitness or ill-health, but have not been granted a pension, are not eligible to receive a silver badge for services rendered, issued through the Ministry of Pensions; and, in view of this inequality, whether he will take steps to deal with the matter?

Mr. Alexander

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War gave to a similar Question on 20th January.

Mr. Bellenger

Is the First Lord entirely satisfied with the present position? Will my right hon. Friend give me a reply to that Question, because either he is or he is not, and if he is not, I want to make representations to the Minister of Pensions?

Mr. Alexander

The decision, as I am sure my hon. Friend realises, on a matter of this sort is one for general agreement between Service departments and the Minister of Pensions. I feel certain that the representations he has made in the course of his Question will be taken into account, although I cannot anticipate that the decision he wants will necessarily be the decision.