HL Deb 20 July 1993 vol 548 c38WA
Lord Mason of Barnsley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether consideration can be given to the award of a bar or clasp to the original holders of the Northern Ireland Medal if they have completed six tours in the Province, or an 18 month garrison tour plus another four month tour.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Viscount Cranborne)

There is no Northern Ireland Medal, but members of the Armed Forces who serve in the Province are eligible for the General Service Medal 1962 with clasp "Northern Ireland". Since there are other clasps that can be awarded with this medal, for example, "Aden", "Dhofar" and "Northern Iraq", it is not appropriate that a bar should be awarded. We have been considering for some time the question of recognition for Service personnel who have carried out frequent tours of duty in theatres that attract the award of the General Service Medal, including Northern Ireland. I am pleased to say that this work is now nearing completion.