HC Deb 17 July 1958 vol 591 cc1434-5
46. Mr. Braine

asked the Prime Minister when a decision will be announced in regard to the award of a suitable medal to members of the forces who have been engaged on operations in the Western Aden Protectorate during the last few years.

Mr. Butler

I have been asked to reply.

This question is reviewed from time to time and will be reviewed again before the end of the year. Individual acts of gallantry already receive appropriate recognition.

Mr. Braine

While not wishing to press my right hon. Friend on this question at the moment, would he bear in mind that small numbers of our forces have been engaged in operations now for a number of years, and that, if awards for gallantry have to be given, it would seem only appropriate that some feasible mark of recognition should be given to all ranks engaged?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir. I will discuss this with my right hon. Friend.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

While supporting the suggestion of the hon. Gentleman that gallant men who have done their duty should receive proper recognition, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he will consider publishing a White Paper giving us a complete picture of the operations in which British Forces have been engaged in the Arabian Peninsula, beginning, for example, in the early summer of 1955 when two officers were killed in action?

Mr. Butler

Any suggestions made by the right hon. Gentleman will receive our consideration but I cannot give him an answer today.