§ Colonel Errollasked the Secretary of State for War why the issue of medal ribbons is being restricted.
§ Mr. LawsonPresent production is not sufficient to meet all demands and priority is being given to personnal due for overseas or for early release.
§ Colonel Stoddart-Scottasked the Secretary of State for War if he will amend the regulations in order that when a Territorial soldier is commissioned the years he serves as a commissioned officer shall be counted towards qualifying for a Territorial Efficiency Medal.
§ Mr. LawsonThis matter is under consideration, and I hope a decision will be reached shortly.
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Sir G. Jenreysasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware mat many men who were granted the 1939–43 Star are aggrieved in view of the fact that its extension to 1939–45 has removed its original distinction for those who served in the earlier campaigns of the war; and whether in these circumstances arrangements can be made to make the ribbon distinctive by the addition to it of a silver rose as in the case of the holders of the 1914 Star.
§ Mr. LawsonI would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the replies given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and myself on 30th October to Questions regarding the institution of other additional emblems. The same considerations apply in this case.
§ Major Beamishasked the Secretary of State for War whether a decision has yet been reached regarding the terms of qualification for the Territorial Efficiency Medal; and whether consideration has been given to the fact that T.A. officers and S.R. officers with previous other ranks service are at present disqualified from receiving this medal, as are S.R. other ranks.
§ Mr. LawsonNo, Sir. But I hope a decision will be reached shortly.