§ Mr. C. DUNCANasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the question of the wearing of some distinctive badge or decoration by men employed on Govern- 53W ment tugs and yard craft indicating their period of war service has yet been considered by the Board of Admiralty; and, if not, will he take the requisite steps to place this matter before them for their consideration and decision?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe question of extending the award of chevrons to these men in dockyard craft has been considered. Chevrons, however, are badges awarded to officers and men in the Navy and Army for certain belligerent service, and it is not proposed to extend the award to civilians, especially as it would be impossible to differentiate between those who are and those who are not incurring a sufficient degree of war risk to justify such a distinction.
§ Mr. MACMASTERasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what steps His Majesty's Government are taking to recognise the services and sacrifices of the mercantile marine either in the form of pensions, or allowances to dependants, or of other appropriate decoration, or of any of these in combination, according to circumstances?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI have prepared a detailed answer to this question, which I hope my hon. Friend will allow me to circulate with the OFFICIAL REPORT, as it is rather lengthy.