§ 47. Major C. S. Taylorasked the Prime Minister whether he has now considered the possibility of extending the award of the King's Badge to all those honourably discharged from His Majesty's Forces whether they are in receipt of a disability pension or not.
§ Mr. EdenYes, Sir. The badge is given as a mark of distinction for those disabled as a result of war service in the Navy, Army and Air Force, the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleet, the Home Guard, the Police, the National Fire Service and Civil Defence. To extend it to everyone honourably discharged from these Services would completely alter its purpose, and it is not proposed to make this change.
§ Major TaylorIs my right hon. Friend aware that there are many people who have served with distinction for four or more years in one of the Armed Forces, who are discharged owing to some disability, not necessarily attributable to the war, and that they have nothing to show for their service when they get back to civilian life?
§ Mr. EdenThat is another question. This badge has been designed for a particular purpose as a mark for those who have been disabled in the war, and it would be a mistake to extend it.
§ Mr. DribergBut is there anything specially honourable about attributability?