§ LORD DAVIESMy Lords, I beg to ask the first question standing on the Paper in my name.
§ [The question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government whether their attention has been called to the fraudulent practice of wearing medals and other decorations which have never been awarded; and whether regulations will be issued controlling the sale of such medals and ribbons in order that proceedings may be taken not only against the impostors themselves, but also against persons or firms who supply decorations without official authorization.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA AND BURMA (THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE)My Lords, I understand from the Metropolitan Police that cases of fraudulent wearing of medals occur almost entirely in respect of military medals and decorations; they occur in normal time infrequently, but rather more often in time of war. My right honourable friend is satisfied that adequate measures for dealing with these offences do exist under statutory provisions in the Army and Air Force Acts and in the Uniforms Act, 1894. These Acts have been strengthened by Defence Regulation 2 (3) and in respect of the unauthorized use of Civil Defence medals there are appropriate provisions in the 887 Civil Defence Act, 1939. In the case of civil medals and decorations there is no evidence of abuse.
§ LORD DAVIESMy Lords, arising out of that answer may I ask the noble Duke whether the people responsible for selling and purveying these medals will also be brought into the proceedings if they have not satisfied themselves that the persons who order them are entitled to wear them?
§ THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIREYes. Section 156A of the Army Act provides that
If …(3) any person without lawful authority or excuse supplies or offers to supply any such decoration or medal as aforesaid to any person not authorized to use or wear the same;such person shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding twenty pounds or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months: