§ 45. Mr. Martin Lindsayasked the Prime Minister how many awards of each kind have been made to officers below the rank of major, or equivalent, and to other ranks, for gallantry in Korea; and what has been the average delay between the deed and the announcement of the award.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)One Distinguished Service Cross, one Bar to the Military Cross, one Bar to the Distinguished Service Medal and two Distinguished Service Medals. In addition, one Member of the Order of the British Empire, eight British Empire Medals, and 21 Mentions in Despatches have been awarded for services in the Korean operations. It would not be practicable to give a precise average figure for the period of delay as some of the awards cover services over a prolonged period. Changes in procedure have recently been introduced to accelerate the recognition of specific acts of gallantry.
§ Mr. LindsayWill the Prime Minister bear in mind that these awards are a great encouragement to the units and persons concerned? In the case of the Army, can he tell us why there has been such a meagre number of awards, since the Army has been fighting there for over seven months?
§ The Prime MinisterI understand that there is another list now under consideration.
§ Lieut.-Commander BraithwaiteWhile we are all glad to hear that gallantry has received its proper and just recognition, may I ask the Prime Minister whether he is aware that his candidate in the West Bristol by-election has said that this country should not have interfered in Korea at all?
§ The Prime MinisterThat question seems to be entirely irrelevant.