HC Deb 13 May 1980 vol 984 cc1037-8
13. Mr. Neil Thorne

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will consider instituting a special medal for those members of the Ulster Defence Regiment who have given 10 years' continuous service.

Mr. Hayhoe

Yes, this is under active consideration.

Mr. Thorne

I thank my hon. Friend for those encouraging remarks. Can he give any indication of the timetable?

Mr. Hayhoe

I hope that an announcement can be made soon. I am sure that I speak for the vast majority of hon. Members when I say that there is a high regard for the work carried out by the UDR. Its tenth anniversary has been marked in a number of ways, and I know that it would be widely welcomed if there were a positive decision on the question of medals.

Mr. J. Enoch Powell

While confirming all that the hon. Gentleman has said about the UDR and its 10-year record, will he bear in mind in all decisions regarding the force the importance of treating it as far as possible as an integral part and unit of the Army?

Mr. Hayhoe

Yes.

Mr. Robert Atkins

When will my hon. Friend make a statement about the award of a special medal to those who served in Zimbabwe?

Mr. Speaker

Order. That is a separate question altogether.