HL Deb 14 February 1994 vol 552 cc6-7WA
Lord Mason of Barnsley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many servicemen have qualified for the accumulated campaign service medal or clasps, and the theatres in which they have served for qualification.

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

We estimate that approximately 24,000 Service personnel will have qualified for the Accumulated Campaign Service Medal since 14 August 1969, and that, based on the current manning levels in Northern Ireland. up to 700 Service personnel will qualify in each future year.

Thirty-six months' aggregated service in theatres qualifying for the General Service Medal (1962), and clasps thereto, since 14 August 1969 qualifies for the award of the Accumulated Campaign Service Medal. Although the majority of Service personnel who qualify for the latter medal will do so as a result of their service in Northern Ireland since 14 August 1969, service qualifying for the following clasps to the GSM (1962) also counts for the award of the Accumulated Campaign Service Medal:

Dhofar—between 1 October 1969 and 30 September 1976

Lebanon—between 7 February 1983 and 9 March 1984 Mine Clearance in the Gulf of Suez—between 15 August 1984 and 15 October 1984

The Gulf—between 17 November 1986 and 28 February 1989

Kuwait—between 8 March 1991 and 30 September 1991

Northern Iraq and Southern Turkey—between 6 April 1991 and 17 July 1991.

For aircrew who served in Dhofar, Lebanon, and Northern Iraq and Southern Turkey, equivalent sortie rates will apply.

Part-time members of the Home Service element of the Royal Irish Regiment must complete 1,000 operational days on duty in Northern Ireland to qualify for the Accumulated Campaign Service Medal. Service in the former Ulster Defence Regiment may count towards the qualifying period.

Clasps to the Accumulated Campaign Service Medal will be awarded for each additional period of 36 months' service or, in the case of part-time members of the Home Service element of the Royal Irish Regiment,1,000 operational days on duty in Northern Ireland.

Service qualifying for any future clasps to the GSM (1962) will also count towards the qualifying service for the Accumulated Campaign Service Medal and clasps.