HC Deb 12 November 1947 vol 444 cc377-8
45. Sir Ian Fraser

asked the Prime Minister when decorations and medals will be issued to those who won them or are entitled to them as a result of the recent war.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

Decorations and medals granted as individual awards for service in the war are being issued in accordance with the date of the Gazette announcements. The up-to-date addresses of many recipients are not available. Those who have not received the awards to which they are entitled should send a notification of their present address to the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood, St. James's Palace, or to the Admiralty, the War Office or the Air Ministry, as the case may be. The issue of the Campaign Stars, Defence Medal and War Medal is not expected to begin until late in 1948, and no applications for these should be made at present.

Sir I. Fraser

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many younger ex-Service men are most discouraged and disappointed at having to wait three years for medals; that many refrain from going to ex-Service men's gatherings because they feel at a disadvantage; and would not a bit of colour and symbolism be an advantage in these dreary times?

The Prime Minister

I quite agree, but there are practical difficulties in the production of this large quantity.