HC Deb 14 December 1943 vol 395 cc1375-6
21. Sir Leonard Lyle

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in connection with the distribution of ribbons for the 1939–43 Star and the Africa Star, he is aware that many officers and men who fought in North Africa and are now in this country and in some cases recovering from wounds, have not yet received their award; and whether he will expedite distribution in such cases?

Sir J. Grigg

Officers and men who fought in North Africa are candidates for the Africa Star. Adequate stocks of ribbon for this Star are available at home and abroad, and I am not aware that its distribution has been held up in any way.

24. Sir Douglas Hacking

asked the Secretary of State for War why the troops who fought with great gallantry and inadequate resources in the Eighth Army between September, 1941, and October, 1942, are deprived of the right to receive the clasp of the Africa Star?

Sir J. Grigg

The Eighth Army Clasp has been instituted specially to commemorate the great drive which started at El Alamein on 23rd October, 1942, and ended with the expulsion of the enemy from Africa. Those who left the Eighth Army before 23rd October, 1942, did not take part in this drive and so, I regret, do not qualify for the clasp.

Mr. Charles Wood

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Eighth Army did exist before General Montgomery took it?

25. Sir D. Hacking

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give immediate reconsideration to the omission to award any clasp or emblem to those troops who took part in great victories in Africa prior to the formation of the Eighth Army?

Sir J. Grigg

My right hon. Friend will have an opportunity of raising this question in the forthcoming Debate on these matters.

Sir D. Hacking

Does that answer mean that no change will take place, desirable and just though it may be, until we have had a further Debate on this matter?

Sir J. Grigg

If my right hon. Friend will look at the answer given by the Prime Minister, he will see what the position is.

Sir D. Hacking

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the great dissatisfaction among people who have done gallant work and are entitled to consideration?