HC Deb 18 December 1945 vol 417 cc1282-3W
Mr. Kingsmill

asked the Secretary of State for War when the distribution of campaign medals will commence; and whether he will endeavour to see that this distribution is completed prior to any official victory celebrations which may take place next year.

Mr. Lawson

Arrangements for the manufacture of the Campaign Stars are in progress, but are not sufficiently advanced to enable me to fix a date when distribution is likely to begin.

Lieut.-Colonel Lindsay

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men who fought in the 1st Airborne Division at Arnhem are not entitled to any medal except the Defence Medal and this only if they have served for three years; and what steps he intends to take to remedy the matter.

Mr. Lawson

As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister stated on 16th October in reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Lewes (Major Beamish), and on 30th November in reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Western Dorset (Major Digby), he has a scheme under consideration dealing with the terms of qualification for the Campaign Stars and similar matters. I am informed that the problem to which the hon. and gallant Member has drawn attention is to be included in this review, and that the replies from all the Dominion Governments have not yet been received.