HC Deb 19 November 2002 vol 394 c36W
Sue Doughty

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans the Government have to award medals to national service veterans; and if he will make a statement. [80411]

Dr. Moonie

None. It has never been the Government's policy to consider service in the armed forces as the sole justification for the institution of a medal.

Sue Doughty

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans the Government have to erect a national monument to conscripted National Servicemen; and if he will make a statement. [80412]

Dr. Moonie

None. In accordance with the long established policy of successive Governments, the cost of erecting war memorials or their subsequent maintenance is not met from public funds but from private donations or public subscription. National Servicemen will be included in the eligibility criteria for the Armed Forces Memorial which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence announced on 20 March 2002,Official Report, column 313W and 21 March 2002, Official Report, column 449W.

I understand that a plot of land at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire has been allocated for a private initiative to erect a memorial specifically for National Servicemen.