§ 46. Sir Jocelyn Lucasasked the Prime Minister when it is intended to authorise the issue of Defence Medals to members of the Hong Kong Auxiliary Nursing Service and the Malayan Nursing Service, who were captured by the Japanese whilst on duty, in view of the fact that V.A.Ds. doing identical duty were awarded two war medals.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonI have been asked to reply. The Governor-General, Malaya, who has been co-ordinating action on questions of this nature with the governors of certain territories in the Far East, including Hong Kong and Malaya, has been authorised to arrange for the award of the Defence Medal ribbon to members of the Auxiliary Nursing Service in Hong Kong and the corresponding service in Malaya who were properly enrolled and rendered at least one day's service in the periods from 8th December, 1941, to 25th December, 1941, and from 8th December, 1941, to 15th February, 1942, respectively.
§ Sir J. LucasIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this announcement will give great satisfaction in many quarters?
§ Mr. MorrisonI am very much obliged to the hon. Member. I am very pleased to make the statement.