§ 7 and 8. Mr. Cordleasked the Secretary of Slate for War (1) whether he will recommend that a distinctive medal or clasp to the general service medal be issued to all ranks of military forces who have taken part in the recent operations in East Africa;
(2) whether he will recommend that a distinctive medal or clasp to the general service medal be issued to all ranks of military forces taking part in the operations in Cyprus.
§ Mr. RamsdenThe operations in which British Forces have taken part in East Africa have been carried out with speed and efficiency and redound to the credit of all ranks, but I do not think it would be appropriate for me to recommend the issue of a distinctive medal or clasp to the General Service Medal.
As regards Cyprus, I should prefer to await the final outcome before deciding whether a recommendation should be made.
§ Mr. CordleWould my right hon. Friend look at that again and perhaps propose additional issues of such medals for all over seas personnel? Would not that be very welcome and stimulate a great deal of interest and enthuse the troops as a whole?
§ Mr. RamsdenWe have to bear in mind past practice with medals when considering possible fresh instances.
§ Mr. ShinwellWhat does the right hon. Gentleman mean by "waiting for the final outcome"? Is he waiting until our troops are actually engaged in Cyprus and being killed and wounded before the War Office decides that they are engaged on active operations? Surely they deserve some consideration in view of the strain imposed upon them.
§ Mr. RamsdenMy answer was intended to mean that I wished to have a little more time to consider the case of Cyprus before deciding whether to make a recommendation.