§ Major KERR-SMILEYasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is in a position to state when the Regulations regarding the medal for the original Expeditionary Force will be published; when the ribbon itself will be ready, and what colour it will be; and if it has yet been decided whether the medal is to be granted only to those who took part in the operations up to and including the first battles of Ypres or will he further extended?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONAn Army Order is about to be published containing full particulars as to the colour of the riband and the persons to whom the decoration will be awarded. The manufacture of the riband is being expedited as much as possible.
§ Major CHAPPLEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether an annuity of £20 per annum accompanies the award of the Meritorious Service Medal in the Regular Forces but not in the Yeomanry; and, if so, whether there is any intention of removing this distinction in view of the services the Territorials have rendered in the War?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe annuity of £20 or less is given to Regular soldiers above the rank of corporal, discharged after twenty-one years' service, who have been awarded the medal for valuable and meritorious service. Under these conditions Territorial soldiers are not eligible for this annuity, but if awarded the Meritorious Service Medal they are in the same position as Regular soldiers,i.e., if discharged 1384W with a pension (which would in their case be for disability) they are eligible for an addition of 6d. a day to that pension