HL Deb 17 March 1981 vol 418 cc752-4WA
The Earl of Kimberley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the monetary benefits associated with the award of the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal reflect modern conditions.

The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Viscount Trenchard)

The gratuity and additional allowance associated with the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and the annuity associated with the Meritorious Medal are paid at rates fixed over seventy years ago. These benefits are no longer relevant in today's pay and retirement conditions for members of the armed forces. It has, therefore, been decided that they should be abolished for future recipients of these medals from 1st April 1981. Certain reserved rights will be honoured.

House adjourned at nine minutes before eleven o'clock.