§ 29. Sir Henry Morris-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the setting-up of some distinctive mark on the uniform of Welsh soldiers or men serving from Wales?
§ Sir J. GriggI regret that it would not be practicable to accept this proposal. As was explained in answers to similar Questions by my hon. Friends the Members for Londonderry (Sir R. Ross) and Stratford (Mr. Groves) on 21st May and 2nd June, 1942, respectively, to do so would cut across the existing system of badges for units from all parts of the United Kingdom.
§ Sir H. Morris-JonesIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a general desire in Wales that this should be done, and will he not, as one of the members of the Cabinet responsible for Wales, respond to this feeling and give the matter his sympathetic consideration? It could quite easily be done, and it would meet the national feeling in Wales.
§ Sir J. GriggIt is not quite easy to do it. My hon. Friend is not correct in saying that. There are Welsh divisions which have Welsh divisional signs, and the Welsh units have individual signs, but I do not think it is practicable to have a special badge for Welsh-speaking soldiers in whatever unit they may be.
§ Sir H. Morris-JonesI did not mention "Welsh-speaking soldiers." I spoke of soldiers from Wales.
§ Sir J. GriggWell, I meant the same thing.
§ Sir H. Morris-JonesIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I desire to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment of the House.