§ Mr. BUTCHERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that silver war badges are being granted to those who have served in His Majesty's naval forces since 4th August, 1914, and whose service has been terminated on account of wounds or on account of physical infirmity for which they are not themselves directly responsible, there is any similar provision for officers and others of the merchant service, and who are not serving under special engagements in His Majesty's commissioned ships, who may be permanently incapacitated from following their employment owing to wounds or injury sustained in engagements with the enemy or other causes directly attributable to the war; and, if not, whether steps will now be taken to issue a silver or other badge in cases of this kind?
Mr. RUNCIMANThere is no provision at present for the grant of special war badges for officers and men of the merchant service who may be permanently incapacitated owing to wounds or other injury arising out of the War. The question whether a special badge can be granted in these cases is being considered.