HC Deb 23 May 1950 vol 475 cc1840-1
45. Sir I. Fraser

asked the Prime Minister to state, in respect of the three Services, how many war medals were awarded, how many have been issued, and how many are unissued after they have been applied for, and because claimants have not applied, respectively.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

About 6,480,000 members or ex-members of the full-time United Kingdom Forces are eligible for some 20 million campaign stars, defence and war medals. Issues have been made to 2,350,000. Claims from some 630,000 remain to be dealt with. More than half of these latter are in the Navy, where prize money payments have taken precedence. Some 3,500,000 have not claimed their campaign stars and medals.

Sir I. Fraser

Could the right hon. Gentleman see that the forms which were placed in the post offices when this admirable scheme was instituted are revised and reviewed, and that publicity is given to them over the wireless?

The Prime Minister

I will bring the matter to the attention of the Service Ministers concerned.