HC Deb 02 May 1951 vol 487 cc1176-8
45. Mr. Alport

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now prepared to make a statement with regard to the issue of a campaign medal to those who have served or are serving with British Forces in Korea.

The Minister of Defence (Mr. Shinwell)

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave on 5th March to the hon. and learned Member for Richmond, Surrey (Sir G. Harvie-Watt). There is a proposal afoot for the issue of a United Nations medal for the Korean campaign and my right hon. Friend is informed that tenders for the manufacture of the ribbon have been already invited in this and other countries. In the circumstances, gallantly though our Forces have borne themselves in the operations, it would appear to be unwise to consider recommending at the present time the institution of a British award in addition.

Mr. Drayson

As the Minister said that tenders have been invited for the manufacture of this ribbon, can he say what colours the ribbon will be?

Mr. Shinwell

I have no information about the colour.

Mr. Drayson

Has consideration been given to the question of permitting troops in Korea to wear a shoulder flash displaying the word "Korea "?

Mr. Shinwell

That has been under consideration, but I think we must await the issue of this proposed medal before coming to a decision.

Lieut.-Commander Gurney Braith-waite

As the matter has gone thus far, can the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether this medal will be struck and manufactured in this country; and whether all those who have participated in the Korean campaign, including those who have been withdrawn, will qualify for the issue?

Mr. Shinwell

As I have said, tenders have been invited for the production of the ribbon, and presumably the medal, in this and other countries.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Including China?

Mr. Shinwell

The hon. Member ought not to be so foolish. We should never dream of asking China to tender for the production of a United Nations medal. That is the sort of foolish observation we expect from the hon. Member. I have now forgotten the second part of the hon. and gallant Gentleman's supplementary question.

Lieut.-Commander Braithwaite

It was whether all those who have served in Korea from the inception of the campaign, including those who have since been relieved, will qualify?

Mr. Shinwell

I imagine that no one who has been in the operations in the Korean campaign will be excluded.

Major Guy Lloyd

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that the design and colour of the ribbon will not be referred to the United Nations for a decision?

Mr. Shinwell

I should imagine that the United Nations ought to be consulted in a matter of this sort.