HL Deb 28 July 1873 vol 217 cc1083-4

THE MARQUESS OF CLANRICARDE moved for a Return of the services in the field of the army on the Punjaub frontier from 1849 to 1863 for which medals were granted; showing the strength of the force employed, the name of the officer who commanded, the number of casualties, upon each occasion separately: And for, Similar Return respecting the Bazotee Expedition of February 1869; and to ask the Secretary of State for India, why the provisions of the Warrant of 1863, granting medals for frontier services, were not extended to the forces of which the last-named expedition was composed?

THE DUKE OF ARGYLL

had no objection whatever to lay the Papers asked for upon the Table, although his noble Friend had inadvertently misnamed one of the documents. There was no "Warrant" of 1863, but a mere "General Order," providing that medals should be given to the soldiers engaged in the various expeditions between 1849 and 1863. His noble Friend asked why similar medals were not granted to the forces employed in the Bazotee Expedition? That Question was capable of a very simple answer. Medals were only given upon the recommendation of the Government of India, who were the proper judges of the military merit displayed by the troops employed in that country, and as a rule, the recommendations of the Indian Government were never set aside by the Home Government. While, however, he had no objection to lay the Returns before the House, he must say that it was setting a bad precedent. Parliamentary agitation with respect to claims of this nature was a thing to be avoided. Public discussion of the merits of particular individuals and the services they had performed was calculated to weaken the discipline of the Army.

THE MARQUESS OF CLANRICARDE

said, that in taking the course he had done he was not without precedent. A similar request had on one occasion been preferred by the late Duke of Richmond.

Motion agreed to.