HC Deb 08 June 1999 vol 332 cc211-2W
Mr. Healey

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the roles and responsibilities of(a) Ministers and (b) officials in the process for determining eligibility for the award of the General Service Medal for a period of military service. [84934]

Mr. Spellar

The qualifying criteria for the award of clasps to the General Service Medal and General Service Medal 1962 are laid down in the appropriate Command Paper. Ministers have no responsibilities in the process of determining eligibility for these awards. Officials in the appropriate medal office are responsible for determining individual eligibility by comparing a person's Record of Service against the criteria published for the award of the medal and the relevant clasp.

Mr. Healey

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what are the terms of reference of the Committee of Honours, Decorations and Medals; [84936]

(2) what criteria the Committee on Honours, Decorations and Medals uses to determine whether a military event or service is eligible for the award of the General Service Medal; [84937]

(3) if he will list the members of the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals; and who was responsible for appointing them. [84933]

Mr. Spellar

The Committee on the Award of Honours, Decorations and Medals is an official committee that reports directly to the Queen. I have therefore asked the Chairman of the Committee, Sir Richard Wilson, to write to the hon. Member with the information sought, and a copy will be placed in the Library of the House.

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