Sir A. Evansasked the Prime Minister if a holder of the 1939–43 Star is automatically granted the Defence Medal.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir.
§ Mr. I. Thomasasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the tailoring trade is frequently unable to supply medal ribbons; and whether he will take steps to make larger supplies available to the trade.
§ The Prime MinisterSupplies of the ribbons for the Campaign Stars and the Defence Medal for the present war, as manufactured, are required for official issues, and until these are completed it will not be possible to make provision for the trade. Supplies of other medal ribbons are short on account of these requirements. As soon as the official issues are completed, looms and skilled labour should be available for manufacture for the trade. Officers and other ranks who cannot obtain ribbon for replacement should make official application through their units.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Marloweasked the Secretary of State for War whether having regard to the fact that, on being commissioned, soldiers of the Territorial Army were removed from the Territorial Army into the regular Army, the time spent in such commissioned service counts towards the qualifying period for the Territorial Efficiency Medal.
§ Sir J. GriggIt is necessary under the present terms of the Royal Warrant dated 23rd September, 1930, for a man to be serving in the ranks when he completes his qualifying service for the medal. As I stated, however, in my reply to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Henley (Sir G. Fox) on 5th December last my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion is being borne in mind.