HL Deb 04 June 1945 vol 136 cc362-3

5.19 p.m.

LORD STRABOLGI

My Lords, I beg to ask the first question standing in my name.

[The question was as follows:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Burma Star graciously approved by His Majesty is to be issued only to those who have actually served in Burma in the present campaign, or whether it is to be issued to those who have done all their service in connexion with the Burma campaign in India.]

THE DUKE OF NORTHUMBERLAND

My Lords, the question is whether the Burma Star should be issued only to those who have actually served in Burma in the present campaign or whether it is to be issued to those who have done all their service in connexion with the Burma campaign in India. The qualifying area for land operations is service in Burma since December 11, 1941. In addition, service on land from May, 1942, to December, 1943, in the provinces of Bengal and Assam and since January, 1944, in those parts of Bengal or Assam east of the Brahmaputra will qualify subject to the prescribed conditions.

LORD STRABOLGI

Is the noble Marquess aware that this means that an officer who has served all his time at an office desk is entitled to the Burma Star, and does he think that that is fair?

THE DUKE OF NORTHUMBERLAND

I am not in a position to answer the noble Lord's question. As a matter of fact, the whole situation has been described in Command Paper No. 6633. Actually, the Provinces of Bengal and Assam were included for the period stated because the threat by Japan was then more serious. When the situation improved it became possible to restrict the qualifying service in India to service east of the Brahmaputra.

LORD STRABOLGI

I am sorry to press the noble Duke, but this is a matter that is felt very deeply by the fighting soldiers in Burma. Is he aware that according to the White Paper it means that the whole of the base staff in Calcutta will be entitled to the Burma Star if they were there between these dates?

THE DUKE OF NORTHUMBERLAND

I can only assure the noble Lord that I will bring what he says to the notice of the proper quarter and see that what he says receives every attention.