§ Brigadier-General BROOKEasked the President of the Board of Trade what is the nature of the awards now being given by the British Government as a recognition of gallant rescues of crews at sea; when the nature of these awards was first fixed; and whether their nature has been considered in the light of changing conditions of taste and appropriateness?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe awards for saving life at sea fall into two main classes—cases where the rescuers run serious risk, and those where the humanity and able seamanship shown deserve recognition, although there is no exceptional personal risk. In the former class of case the Board of Trade recommend to His Majesty medals ranging from the Bronze Gallantry Medal to the Albert Medal in exceptional cases. In the latter class of case (and in certain cases where medals are awarded), the Board of Trade generally award some article of value and utility to the recipient, suitably inscribed, such as a gold watch, a piece of plate, or a pair of binoculars if the award is to a shipmaster or ship's officer; in the case of a seaman the award usually takes the form of a sum of money. An account of the medals awarded appeared in the Board of Trade Journal for 8th February, 1923. I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a reprint of the article, and, as regards his inquiry as to the appropriateness of these awards, I shall be very happy to consider any suggestions he will be good enough to send me.