§ 29. Mr. Eadieasked the Secretary of State for Defence what recent representation he has had about ex-Servicemen who are holders of the Military Medal and are not in receipt of a gratuity.
The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Army (Mr. James Boy-den)Since the beginning of the year, I have been in correspondence with a number of hon. Members on this subject. I have also answered Questions from my hon. Friend the Member for Bothwell (Mr. James Hamilton) on 13th February, 1967 and from the hon. Member for Har-borough (Mr. Farr) on 1st and 22nd March, 1967.—[Vol. 741, c. 36. Vol. 742, c. 494. Vol. 743, c. 263.]
§ Mr. EadieDoes not the Minister agree that the people who are concerned in this matter feel that the whole issue is grossly unfair, and that because of age in itself they are becoming a diminishing number? Is not this a case for a generous reconsideration of the whole matter?
§ Mr. BoydenNo, Sir. The matter has been considered many times. The cost and the administrative effort required to deal equitably with the First World War awards would be out of all proportion to the results.
§ Mr. LiptonIn view of the comparatively small number of surviving gallant holders of the Military Medal from the First World War, can my hon. Friend say how much it will cost to treat all holders alike?
§ Mr. BoydenIt would cost £600,000 for gratuities and £156,000 per annum continually. It would be inequitable to 84 deal with those living without dealing with the estates of those who are no longer here.