HC Deb 16 December 1947 vol 445 cc1496-7
46. Mr. G. Williams

asked the Prime Minister when he intends to issue medal ribbons to next-of-kin of those who lost their lives in the war.

Mr. H. Morrison

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which he gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Eastern Dorset (Colonel Wheatley) on nth November last.

Mr. G. Williams

If that answer was that they had not yet been issued, as in the case of many families of which I can tell him, does not the right hon. Gentleman consider it a disgrace that in two years they have not yet had this very small token of gratitude issued to them?

Mr. Morrison

We are, of course, exceedingly sorry that the medals have not been issued. It is a problem of production—[HON. MEMBERS: "The ribbons."]—I am on the final point now. In regard to ribbons, I understand that the tradition and recognised practice is that they are only customarily worn by the persons concerned. That strictly applies to medals, but it is recognised that on Armistice Day, and such other occasions, relatives do wear them.