HC Deb 23 October 2003 vol 411 c660W
Mr. Gerald Howarth

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to award a campaign medal for servicemen and women who have served in Iraq. [133756]

Mr. Caplin

Following my announcement to the House on 8 July 2003,Official Report, column 47WS, that a campaign medal would be awarded for service during the recent operations in Iraq, officials have been preparing the detailed eligibility criteria to be associated with this award. Once determined, they have to be agreed by the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals and then passed to Her Majesty the Queen for her approval. The work is progressing well and I hope to make a further announcement shortly.