§ 46. Rear-Admiral Beamishasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that officers and other ranks of the Home Guard who have worked so well since the inception of the Local Defence Volunteers to promote efficiency and comradeship have, in recent months, by reason of the age limit, had to retire; and will he consider recommending the establishment and award now of a ribbon and later a medal for some of these officers and other ranks locally recommended and selected?
§ The Deputy Prime MinisterThe question of the award of a medal or medal ribbon for service in the Home Guard is part of the general problem relating to the award of medals for service in this war, and any recommendations regarding such awards would clearly be premature at the present time.
§ Rear-Admiral BeamishWill the right hon. Gentleman remind the Prime Minister that even the spirit of eternal youth cannot overcome the march of time or the span of life, and that some such award as this would really gratify the old and bold who have worked so well?