§ Mr. Chaterasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air why men in the R.A.F. servicing ground crews, who have served nearly three years overseas, and are still serving in the Cocos Islands, are not entitled to any medal except the Defence Medal, and do not qualify for either the 1939–45 Star or the Burma Star according to A.M.O. 741, 23rd July, 1945.
§ Mr. StracheyThe 1939–45 Star and the Burma Star are awarded only for operational service. Non-air crew personnel must have served in an Army operational area, as denned in the White Paper. The Defence Medal is the appropriate award for service in other areas, the time qualification being reduced from three years to one year for those who have served overseas from their place of residence.