§ 41. Mr. Beswickasked the Secretary of State for Air what further consideration he has given to the proposal that some decoration or other acknowledgement should be made to those who served in the Royal Auxiliary Air Force.
Mr. WardMedals and decorations are traditionally awarded for specific actions or for meritorious service rather than to mark an event such as the disbandment of Royal Auxiliary Air Force units. Long-service auxiliaries are, of course, eligible for the Air Efficiency Award.
§ Mr. BeswickIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I am not suggesting that a medal should be struck to honour the disbandment of this Force but to honour the services which the men have previously given in it? Are we to understand that, since we had a discussion on this matter, the Secretary of State has not given any thought at all to what permanent recognition he can give for the most valuable services that these men rendered voluntarily through the Royal Auxiliary Air Force?
Mr. WardI have already said that those who rendered ten years' service are eligible for the Air Efficiency Award.