§ 45. Major-General Sir Alfred Knoxasked the Prime Minister if the appropriate ribbon, with permission to wear, will be issued to the next-of-kin of a man killed by enemy action pending the issue of that medal.
§ The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)No, Sir. It is contrary to our custom for permission to be given to next-of-kin to wear the ribbons of medals earned by relatives killed in action.
§ Sir A. KnoxWould the right hon. Gentleman give some reason for this refusal? Will he take into consideration the solace it would be to the relatives?
§ Mr. AttleeBecause the medals are issued to parents. If they are to be handed about among relatives, it might lead to all sort of mistakes.
§ Mr. TinkerMy right hon. Friend does not make the matter very clear. He says "It is contrary to our custom." This war has altered a lot of customs. Cannot this one be altered too?