§ 35. Mr. Maddanasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many general service medals have been awarded, since the institution of this decoration in its present form on 24th December 1962, in the Royal Navy excluding the Royal Marines, the Army and the Royal Air Force, respectively.
§ Mr. ReynoldsThe number of medals and clasps awarded are as follows:
Some have still to be issued.
Royal Navy (including the Royal Fleet Auxiliary) 18,530 Royal Marines 7,800 Army 87,450 Royal Air Force 37,750
§ Mr. MaddanDoes the Minister agree that those figures, taken proportionately to the size of the Forces, show that the Royal Marines have been making an outstanding contribution to the sort of operation which experience has shown the national interest of this country requires? Will he bear it in mind in future Defence Reviews?
§ Mr. ReynoldsThe figures show that rather more Royal Marines have served in operational areas percentage-wise than members of the other Services. One is well aware of the contribution that the Royal Marines make in service of this nature.