§ Mr. GapesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many United Kingdom personnel have been awarded UN peacekeeping medals in each year since 1965. [31509]
§ Mr. SoamesInformation on the number of UN peacekeeping medals awarded to United Kingdom personnel is not held centrally, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
§ Mr. GapesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence by whom the decision to award a UN peacekeeping medal is taken. [31510]
§ Mr. SoamesWithin the United Nations the decision to award a UN peacekeeping medal is established by the Secretary-General. The award of the medal is authorised by the Under-Secretary-General for peacekeeping operations. In the United Kingdom, final approval for the acceptance of the medal by United Kingdom service men and women is granted by her Majesty The Queen on the advice of the chiefs of staff, the Secretary of State for Defence and the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals.
§ Mr. GapesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many days service on a UN peacekeeping mission are necessary before qualifying for a United Nations peacekeeping medal(a) for each NATO country and (b) for the United Kingdom. [31506]
§ Mr. SoamesThe qualifying period for a United Nations peacekeeping medal for service on a Nations peacekeeping mission for all NATO countries, including the United Kingdom, is 90 days' consecutive service.