HL Deb 11 June 2003 vol 649 cc40-1WA
Lord Campbell-Savours

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether a decision has been reached on the award of a medal to those who served in the Suez Canal Zone between 1951 and 1954. [HL3318]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

Following a recommendation from the sub-committee chaired by Lord Guthrie of Craigiebank, we are pleased to announce that Suez veterans who served in the Canal Zone between 1951 and 1954 are to be awarded the General Service Medal.

In examining this case so long after the events, the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals recognised that it had special features. Although it had been established that the Commander in Chief at the time made a request for a medal there was no conclusive evidence that the case was ever fully considered and a formal decision reached. Nor had the deployment been recognised by the award of any other campaign medal.

The detailed qualification criteria for the medal will be submitted to HM the Queen for approval in due course. Copies of the sub-committee's report are being placed in the Libraries of both Houses of Parliament.