§ 1. Mr. Townsendasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers are still waiting to receive the police long service and good conduct medal due to them.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Dr. Shirley Summerskill)On 20th November, 1,788. Of these, 1,342 are officers who have been awarded medals since June this year.
§ Mr. TownsendCan the Under-Secretary of State confirm that many police officers have had to wait over two years for these medals? Is it not a remarkable comment on the current administration of the home office that after 22 years' notice it still cannot produce a medal on time?
§ Dr. SummerskillThere has been a delay in delivery of these medals which has been due to production problems. These have now been overcome and delivery is being speeded up.