§ 38. Mr. Russellasked the Secretary of State for War what is the cost of the recent issue of silver badges to the Regular Army Reserve of Officers and the Supplementary Reserve of Officers; and what is the purpose of the issue.
§ Mr. WyattThese badges were bought in 1938 at a cost of 2s. each, and are being distributed at a cost of about 7½d. each. As stated by my right hon. Friend in his reply to the hon. Member for Twickenham (Mr. Keeling) on 24th April, the badges were introduced in 1939 as a measure of recognition of the important part which members of these reserves played in national defence. The issue of the badges was suspended during the war, and has recently been resumed in the case of volunteer members of these reserves.
§ Mr. RussellCan the hon. Gentleman say whether the supply of badges bought in 1938 will suffice for all time, as far as is foreseeable at present, and what is going to happen if it does not?
§ Mr. WyattI can assure the hon. Member that the supply will last for a considerable number of years, as far as we can see.