HC Deb 19 June 1951 vol 489 c235
45. Brigadier Rayner

asked the Prime Minister whether he will now reconsider with Commonwealth Governments the issue of a British Commonwealth war medal for Korea.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Ede)

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given on his behalf by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence on 2nd May to the hon. Member for Colchester (Mr. Alport).

Brigadier Rayner

That answer, however, was very unsatisfactory. In view of the fact that our troops in Korea are fighting, first and foremost, for their own country and for the Commonwealth in a full-scale war, which has lasted now almost exactly a year, and in view of the fact that a good many awards have been made for individual gallantry, is there any reason why a campaign medal should not now be given?

Mr. Ede

I understand that a United Nations Service Medal is being struck and that the ribbon is in course of manufacture.

Brigadier Rayner

Our troops do not want a United Nations medal. They want a medal given by their own country.

Colonel Ropner

While the gallantry of our troops deserves recognition, will the right hon. Gentleman remember that too great a number of medals detracts from the value of those that are awarded?