§ 45. Lord John Hopeasked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement on the granting of a General Service Medal to the Forces engaged in Malaya.
§ 46. Major Beamishasked the Prime Minister whether active service in Malaya since the end of the war will be a qualification for the General Service Medal, or in what way the outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty of all ranks who have served in Malaya will be recognised.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)Yes, Sir. His Majesty has approved proposals for the grant of the General Service Medals for specified service in Malaya, since 16th June, 1948. A short White Paper on the subject is available in the Vote Office.
§ Lord John HopeIs this to be a special ribbon, or merely an addition to the present decoration?.
§ The Prime MinisterI should be glad if the hon. Member would study the White Paper and then put any Questions he may think desirable.
§ Major BeamishWhile welcoming the announcement made by the Prime Minister, might I ask him to look into another matter which arises out of this Question? Will he try to ensure that at least a small part of the huge sum spent on Government publicity is put to good effect by informing the public of the great gallantry and devotion to duty of police and all ranks in the Army under trying and unpleasant conditions?
§ The Prime MinisterThat has nothing whatever to do with the Questions on the Paper.