§ 9. Mr. Ammonasked the Secretary of State for Air in what manner did the noncommissioned flying officers, recently decorated for their part in the recent raid on Lubeck, differ in responsibility, initiative or courage, from the commissioned officers who were given awards for their part in the same operation?
§ Sir A. SinclairTheir conduct was of equal merit, and so were their awards.
§ Sir A. SinclairThey were given awards of equal merit.
§ Mr. AmmonHas the right hon. Gentleman seen the scathing comment on his replies concerning this matter in "Reveille," a paper which circulates among the men of the Air Service?
§ Mr. ShinwellWhy is the right hon. Gentleman so sticky about this? Why does he not respond to public feeling and grant a distinction which is fair to everybody?
§ Sir A. SinclairThere is no question of stickiness. These awards are equal. The D.F.M. is an award which is cherished by those who receive it. [HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."]
§ Mr. ShinwellDoes not the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that the cheers from hon. Members behind him indicate their desire to retain class distinction?
§ Sir A. SinclairI heard cheers from all over the House.