§ Major COHENasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that it is now possible to purchase the new general service ribbon from many shops; and when, in view of this, he will give the necessary authority to permit it being worn?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe sale of this riband is illegal, as the design is registered and it may not be sold without the permission of the War Office which has not been given. Neither the medal nor the riband is yet authorised, and the conditions of award have not yet been announced; consequently, permission to wear the riband cannot yet be given.
§ Mr. SITCHasked the Secretary of State for War if it is the practice of foreign governments to omit the usual native monetary accompaniment of any naval or military distinction awarded by them to British sailors or soldiers; if so, can he see his way to invite those governments to consider the desirability of conceding such monetary awards as are applicable to those distinctions in their own countries; and whether he will consider the advisability of agreeing to a like practice, if not already in vogue, when His Majesty similarly confers British decorations upon sailors or soldiers of Allied Government forces?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and the answer to the second and third parts is in the negative. This matter is dealt with in Army Council Instruction 289 of 1919, a copy of which I am sending my hon. Friend for his information.