HC Deb 22 February 1940 vol 357 cc1545-6W
Sir A. Wilson

asked the Minister of Shipping (1) how many awards of Board of Trade medals for gallantry in saving life at sea, have been made since 1st September last in silver, and in bronze, respectively; and whether he is satisfied that his Department is kept informed of such acts of gallantry by British subjects or foreigners serving in British ships, and that recommendations for awards are promptly made;

(2) how many awards of Board of Trade Medals for foreign services in gold and silver, respectively, have been made since 1st September, under Section 677 (i) (1) of the Merchant Shipping Act, and how many awards of plate, binoculars or money; and whether he is satisfied that his Department is kept informed of such acts of gallantry by British subjects serving on ships with Indian, Dominion, Colonial or foreign registry, and of like acts by foreign seamen in ships of British registry, and that recommendations for awards are promptly made?

Sir J. Gilmour

A number of other awards have been made to officers and men of the Merchant Navy since 1st September last. No awards have so far been made of the medals to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, or of plate, binoculars, or money, but a number of cases in which such awards might be appropriate are at present under consideration. The arrangements that have now been made between the Ministry of Shipping and the Admiralty will ensure that the Ministry get full information of acts of gallantry on British ships.