§ 48. Lieut.-Commander Joynson-Hicksasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the special privations and difficulties of the campaign in Burma, he will consider the recommendation of the issue of a campaign Star to those who have taken part in that campaign.
§ The Prime MinisterThe 1939–43 Star has been granted for service in the Burma campaign up to the end of last year. I have the subject of campaign Stars under examination, and the operations in Burma will be included in that review. I have to apologise to the House for not having made a statement sooner on the subject. I am doing my very best but I have been somewhat disturbed lately, and until you plunge into this topic of medals you cannot imagine how many objections are entertained in different quarters to every step which is proposed. I hope, however, before Christmas to have a thoroughly complete statement laid before the House which will, I am sure, cause a great deal of difference of opinion.
§ Lieut.-Commander Joynson-HicksDoes my right hon. Friend appreciate that his statement will give very great satisfaction to those who are still inclined to consider that the 14th Army is our forgotten Army?
§ Mr. ThorneWhen considering the question of medals will the right hon. Gentleman consider one for the older Members of this House?
§ The Prime MinisterMost certainly. I think the suggestion is one on which we might well take a plebiscite.
Viscountess AstorDoes not the right hon. Gentleman consider it bad enough to be old without being libelled—I mean, labelled?