§ Sir F. SYKESasked the Secretary of State for Air whether the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Force Cross, and 1091W the Distinguished Flying and Air Force Medals can be awarded in respect of the distinguished services in flying by civilians; and, if so, how many such decorations and medals have been so awarded during the past four years in respect of civilian aeroplane services?
§ Sir S. HOAREAs regards the first part of the question, the Air Force Cross and medal, but not the Distinguished Flying Cross and medal, can be awarded to civilians who render distinguished service to aviation in actual flying. As regards the second part, no awards of the decoration or medal have been made during the past four years in respect of civilian aeroplane services; an Air Force medal was, however, recently awarded to a civilian for conspicuous devotion to duty in circumstances of exceptional difficulty and danger, in connection with the accident to the R.33.