§ 13. Mr. Murtonasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the extent of the delay between an officer being gazetted for the award of the Territorial Decoration and its presentation to him.
§ Mr. EnnalsI regret the delay of some months in the issue of the insignia of the Territorial Efficiency Decoration. This is due to a shortage of craftsmen at the Royal Mint. I hope that the backlog will be cleared in about six months' time.
§ Mr. MurtonIs not the delay now 12 months? Is it not shameful that it has not been possible to plan ahead and to see that an officer receives his decoration when he qualifies for it and it has been gazetted by the Queen to him?
§ Mr. EnnalsIt is not correct to say that the delay is 12 months. They have been issued for September, 1965. There are 297 officers who are awaiting receipt of this decoration. Naturally, I am unhappy that this has happened, but I am assured by the Royal Mint that the problems are now settled and that in a few months' time issue will be brought up to date.