§ Major Anstruther-Grayasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the arduous nature of the fighting, those 589W soldiers who have served throughout the Italian campaign from September to December, 1943, may qualify for the 1939–43 Star notwithstanding the fact that this period is less than six months.
§ Sir J. GriggThis question has not yet been settled.
§ Mr. Bellengerasked the Secretary of State for War what instructions have been issued to Officers in Charge Records to supply the ribbons of the 1939–43 and Africa Stars to ex-Service men.
§ Sir J. GriggOfficers in charge of Records have been instructed to forward the necessary forms to ex-Service men who apply for either of these Stars. If on return of the form the claim is substantiated 2½ inches of the appropriate ribbon is issued to the man concerned.
§ Mr. Mathersasked the Secretary of State for War the position as to the award of the ribbon of the 1939–43 Star to prisoners of war entitled to receive it who are still in enemy hands; and will the ribbon be awarded in the same way to those who were captured at Dunkirk, St. Valery, etc., as it has been to those who got away.
§ Sir J. GriggIndividuals who took part in the operations in France at any time between 10th May and 19th June, 1940, are eligible for the 1939–43 Star. The question of sending the ribbon to prisoners in enemy hands is under consideration.