45. Commander Maitlandasked the Prime Minister if he will consider instituting some distinction in peace-time corresponding to a mention in dispatches in war-time to all those in agriculture, industry or commerce whose efforts to increase production are outstanding.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Winston Churchill)There, is a considerable difference between peace and war. We seek to preserve peace and avoid war. If, nevertheless, war should be forced upon us, those who hazard or give their lives for the honour and survival of the nation stand in a special class. A confusion of thought upon these primary issues is to be deprecated. This in no way detracts from the value of the services rendered in agriculture, industry or commerce, I am not, however, at present convinced of the need to recommend to Her Majesty the institution of new awards as it is better to make use of the many existing forms of recognition.