HC Deb 16 February 1944 vol 397 cc158-9
15. Mr. Wootton-Davies

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of the unrest among men with more than six months' non-operational service on account of their inability to claim the 1939–43 Star, which is available to Navy and Merchant Navy personnel after six months' service afloat in areas of active operations; and if he will consider the award of a special decoration to such men after a period of six months' service.

Mr. Alexander

I am not aware of any widespread unrest of the kind to which my hon. Friend refers. The institution of a special award for non-operational service of six months or more in the Royal Navy would fall to be considered as part of the larger question of such an award being instituted for non-operational services generally.

Sir A. Southby

Is the First Lord not aware that there is in the Navy as in the Army very considerable dissatisfaction concerning the present regulations governing the award both of the 1939–43 Star and the Africa Star?

Mr. Alexander

I understand that that general issue is likely to be debated by the House very shortly.

Mr. Thorne

May I ask the First Lord how, if there is any dissatisfaction in the Navy, he is going to find out?

Mr. Alexander

We usually hear if there is anything of that kind.