§ Mr. FlookTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when Servicemen and women who served in Afghanistan in 2001–02 be given their campaign medals. [136955]
§ Mr. CaplinService in Afghanistan on Operation Veritas from 11 September 2001 to a date to be announced has been recognised by the institution of the Operational Service Medal. Command Paper Cm 593"), which contains the detailed qualifying criteria, was laid before Parliament on 8 September 2003 and a Defence Council Instruction was subsequently published on 31 October 2003. The issue of medals will commence upon receipt of applications from Service personnel.
§ Mr. FlookTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when Servicemen and women who served in Operation Telic in Iraq in 2003 will be given their campaign medals. [136956]
§ Mr. CaplinI refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 23 October 2003,Official Report, column 654W, to the hon. Member for Aldershot (Mr. Gerald Howarth). I can add that the detailed eligibility criteria have since been completed by the Department and passed to the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals for their approval. The work is progressing well.