§ Baroness Anelay of St Johnsasked Her Majesty's Government:
On how many celebratory occasions a Jubilee medal has been awarded to members of the police force. [HL1714]
When they will announce the result of their review of their decision that the Queen's Jubilee medal should not be awarded to members of the police force. [HL1715]
§ The Minister of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Baroness Blackstone)A special medal was issued to members of the police force to mark Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee in 1887 and Diamond Jubilee in 1897. Members of the police force also received a jubilee medal for King George V's Silver Jubilee in 1935 and the Queen's Silver Jubilee in 1977.
As my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport announced on 4 December, having considered representations from the police and others, the Government have decided that eligibility for the Golden Jubilee medal should be extended to include members of the emergency services: the police, fire and ambulance services, the Coastguard, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, and the Mountain Rescue service. As is the case for the Armed Forces and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, the medal will be issued to serving members who have completed a minimum of five years' reckonable service on 6 February 2002.
A copy of the announcement has been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.