§ 2.37 p.m.
§ Lord HarvingtonMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will take powers to amend the statutes of the Victoria Cross so that, on suitable recommendation, the award could be made in respect of such military actions as have recently taken place.
2§ The Earl of AvonMy Lords, no amendment to the statutes of the Victoria Cross is required. It could be awarded for actions in the South Atlantic if a suitable recommendation were made.
§ Lord HarvingtonMy Lords, does my noble friend realise that the whole country will be pleased to know that that is so and that many people—in fact, almost everybody—hope that this glorious feat of British arms may be signalised by an award such as that of the Victoria Cross, for the George Cross, although secundus inter pares with the Victoria Cross, is not quite the same thing? I hope that something will be done to help that cause along the way, because I am sure it will be well received not only by the country but also by the armed forces and especially by the people concerned.
§ The Earl of AvonMy Lords, I note what my noble friend has said, as I am sure will my right honourable friend. I cannot comment on any particular recommendations which may or may not have been made.