HC Deb 15 November 1950 vol 480 c175W
125. Mr. Alport

asked the Secretary of State for War why the pecuniary benefits accompanying the award of the Military Medal during the 1939–45 war should not be available to those who won this decoration prior to 3rd September, 1939.

Mr. M. Stewart

The various changes in the provisions for the grant of pensions and gratuities to the holders of gallantry decorations and medals which were made in 1945, and which included for the first time provision for pecuniary awards in respect of the Military Medal, were intended for application only in the case of decorations and medals earned since September, 1939. There was no intention of giving retrospective effect to the provision. Apart from other considerations the cost of doing so would have been prohibitive.

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of an answer given to a Question on this subject by the then Secretary of State for War on 1st February, 1949.