23. Lieut.-Commander Gurney Braithwaiteasked the First Lord of the Admiralty when the ribbon of the Africa Star will be available for issue to naval personnel entitled thereto.
Mr. AlexanderIt is intended that the Africa Sitar ribbon shall be issued to Naval personnel as soon as possible after the qualifications for the 1939–43 Star have been finally settled.
Lieut.-Commander BraithwaiteIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Army personnel who are entitled to these ribbons have now been thus gloriously arrayed for many weeks and, in view of 1419 the comparatively small number of naval officers and ratings involved, may I ask whether he can use his good offices to expedite a decision in the matter?
Mr. AlexanderAs my hon. and gallant Friend knows, the 1939–43 Star takes precedence in the Royal Navy and the question as to who are entitled to it cannot be settled until full consideration has been given to the recent Debate.
Mr. AstorIn view of the fact that many naval officers are clearly entitled to the Africa Star, and not the 1939–43 Star, could they not be given the Africa Star without prejudice to borderline cases?
Mr. AlexanderI do not think I can add to my statement that nothing more can be done until the matter has been settled in the light of our consideration of the recent Debate.