Oral Answers to Questions — British Army. – in the House of Commons at on 5 December 1939.
Mr George Garro-Jones
, Aberdeen North
asked the Secretary of State for War whether there are any set principles upon which decorations are awarded to non-commissioned officers and other ranks for gallantry in the field; whether there are any decorations other than the Victoria Cross which are awarded exclusively for gallantry under fire; what decorations carry gratuities or additions to pensions; and what is the distinction drawn in principle between deeds which are rewarded with a Distinguished Conduct Medal, which carries a gratuity and an increase in pension, and the Military Medal, which appears to carry no such financial perquisites?
Mr Leslie Hore-Belisha
, Plymouth, Devonport
The Victoria Cross, the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Military Medal are awarded to non-commissioned officers and men exclusively for gallantry under fire. The Victoria Cross carries a special pension, and the Distinguished Conduct Medal carries either a gratuity or an addition to pension. The distinction between the award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Military Medal lies in this, that the Distinguished Conduct Medal is defined as being for distinguished conduct in action in the Field, and the Military Medal as being for an act of bravery in the Field.
Mr George Garro-Jones
, Aberdeen North
Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there are any set Principles upon which these decorations are awarded as between unit and unit, and is there any department or authority in the war Office that can lay down regulations to that effect?
Mr Leslie Hore-Belisha
, Plymouth, Devonport
I have defined the various purposes for which these awards are given. I do not think I can define them with much greater precision.
Mr George Garro-Jones
, Aberdeen North
May I endeavour to get an answer to my question?
Lieut-General Edward Fitzroy
, Daventry
The right hon. Gentleman has given an answer.
Mr George Garro-Jones
, Aberdeen North
On a point of Order. The Minister has not answered the question which I have on the Order Paper. If we are to be foiled just when we are getting to the question that we desire elucidated, it is much better not to put questions on the Order Paper.
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