HC Deb 18 July 1950 vol 477 c2014
16. Brigadier Clarke

asked the Secretary of State for War why the Good Conduct Medal awarded to soldiers only brings a bounty of £5, whereas sailors get £20 for the same award.

Mr. Strachey

The rewards attaching to medals in the Army and Royal Navy differ in various respects, and the advantages are not all on one side. These differences are traditional, and it has never been considered that the arrangements in the two Services need be identical.

Brigadier Clarke

Will the right hon. Gentleman use his good offices to bring these two awards into line and, if possible, raise both to the present-day value of the pound?

Mr. Strachey

Naturally, we should like all these awards to be raised. I would point out that the Army has the Meritorious Service Medal which the Navy has not got. It would be untrue to say that there is a material advantage on the side of the Navy.