§ Mr. Nicholas BakerTo ask the Prime Minister whether an award is to be made to members of the armed forces and civilians who were engaged in recent operations in the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
§ The Prime MinisterIn recognition of service and with special regard to the dangers and hardships which accompanied duty there, for personnel who served in vessels of the Royal Navy and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, her Majesty the Queen has graciously approved the award of the General Service Medal 1962 with "Gulf-clasp. The award covers operations in the Gulf of Oman between 17 November 1986 and 31 October 1988 and continuing mine452W counter-measures operations in the Gulf from 1 November 1988 until 28 February 1989. A Command Paper (Cm. 699) which, inter alia, sets out the criteria of eligibility, is being laid before the House today.