LORD MORRISasked His Majesty's Government—
(1) Whether they will consider the award of medals to Paiforce and its Tenth Army with especial reference to the known facts, i.e.:
- (a) that many thousands who for years formed the nucleus of this Force are ineligible either for the Africa Star or for the 1939–45 Star;
- (b) that their service in Iraq and/or Iran in conditions of climatic and general hardship and danger at least equivalent to those endured in bare areas in Egypt has resulted in
1016 no award other than that of the—in the case of Indian troops—totally inapposite Defence Medal; and (2) What objection, if any, there could be to the issue of a distinctive medal or rosette to mark the not undistinguished service of these British and Indian troops in ensuring, amongst other things, the supply to Russia of those vital stores which made certain her victory in the Caucasus, and the safety of Britain's oil supplies.
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (LORD NATHAN)The noble Lord is under a misapprehension as to eligibility of members of Paiforce for the 1939–45 Star: that Star is granted for a minimum of one day's service during certain periods, namely:
Service in Iraq: April 10, 1941, to May 31, 1941.
Service in Persia: August 25, 1941, to August 28, 1941.
Service in Syria: June 8, 1941, to July 11, 1941.
Service in these areas during other periods was not of the operational character for which the campaign stars were instituted.
Various suggestions have been made for the grant of distinctive emblems for particular forces, and these have been carefully considered. But eight Campaign Stars, a Defence Medal and several emblems have already been instituted for service during hostilities and it has been decided that it would be undesirable to add to these awards in the manner suggested.
House adjourned at ten minutes before seven o'clock.