§ 36. Mr. Russellasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why members of the Community Development and Rehabilitation Department employed in detention camps in Kenya have not been made eligible to receive the African General Service Medal.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydAs stated in paragraph 1 of Cmd. 9378, the award is designed primarily for recognition of service in operations against the Mau Mau in specified areas in Kenya during the period of the emergency, with special regard to hardships and dangers which accompanied duty there. Although the staff of the Community Development and Rehabilitation Department were involved in additional duties, this was no less true of many other departments, none of whose members qualify for the medals.
§ Mr. RussellCan my right hon. Friend say whether ordinary members of the prison staff are eligible for it? If so, are not members of the Community Development and Rehabilitation Department just as much in danger and, therefore, just as much entitled to this medal?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI understand the feelings of my hon. Friend, but in the view of the Government the members of the prison staff were subjected to the same sort of dangers as were the Armed Forces. That is why the distinction was made.