§ Major PRESCOTTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the total number of war medals required for award to serving and non-effective personnel of the Army is approximately 14,500,000; the total number produced to the end of February last, and how long it will take to produce 14,500,000 medals at the present rate of progress; the total weekly production of medals at the Woolwich Arsenal; and if, in view of the large number of unemployed ex-service men in North London, he can see his way to utilise the Enfield Small Arms Factory for a similar purpose?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYThe reply to the first part of the question is: Yes, Sir. The total number of war service medals produced up to the end of February last is 1,037,000, and at the present rate of progress it will take approximately 18 months to complete the 14,500,000 war service medals required. The weekly production of medals is 109,000 silver war medals. This rate of production with the accumulated reserve amply covers the requirements of the War Office; but should it be necessary to increase the rate of delivery, arrangements would be made to increase the output of Woolwich, where there is sufficient additional plant, as the allocation of the work to Enfield would involve the setting up of new plant.