§ 45. Sir George Harvie-Wattasked the Prime Minister whether he has yet reached any decision about the issue of a medal and ribbon for the campaign in Korea.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)No, Sir. It is not customary to come to a decision on a matter of this kind at so early a stage in a campaign, but it will be considered in due course.
§ Sir G. Harvie-WattDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think that at this stage of the campaign it would be a great encouragement to the British soldiers fighting in Korea if an award of this kind were now made?
§ The Prime MinisterAwards for gallantry, and so on, are made, but it has never been the custom to decide on a general campaign medal at so early a stage. I think it is better left a little sort can be weighed with other campaigns.
§ Sir G. Harvie-WattIt has been going on for nearly nine months.
§ Mr. Martin LindsayIs the Prime Minister aware, when he says that awards for gallantry are made, that only two awards have been made to other ranks?
§ Mr. SpeakerWe are dealing with medals and not awards.