46. Wing-Commander Jamesasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the disappointment felt at the continued delay in the issue of any medal ribbons to the Fighting Services in respect of the current 1390 war; and whether he will expedite the issue of such ribbons?
§ Mr. AttleeThe reply to the first part of the Question is in the negative. The issues have, however, been expedited, and ribbon has been sent to ships of the Fleet and to Commands in sufficient quantities to provide for qualified officers and men within the totals of 809,965 and 299,611 for the Africa and 1939–43 Stars respectively.
Wing-Commander JamesIs the Deputy Prime Minister aware that the situation is now arising whereby many men and women have been discharged from the Forces for various reasons back into civilian life with nothing to show that they have ever served their country in war, whereas Governments of Allied fighting countries have issued medals to all their troops?
§ Mr. AttleeThat seems to me a different question.
§ Commander Sir Archibald SouthbyWill the Deputy Prime Minister bear in mind the very widespread feeling that all those who served with the Colours in the fateful years between 1939 and 1943 should have the right to wear this ribbon?