asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any decorations have been granted to the officers and men who took part in the naval operations against Zeebrugge and Ostend; and, if so, will he say when a list of these decorations will be published?

Recommendations for decorations are now being considered for submission to His Majesty, and when approved will be published.

In view of the fact that these operations took place nearly two months ago, will not the Admiralty consider the advisability of initiating a system of immediate award, the same as in the Army, for gallant service?

Yes; but some of these recommendations, at any rate, have to go to His Majesty. There will be no delay. We shall have to wait for the Rear-Admiral's recommendations, and then they have to receive the assent of the King.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that awards on the field of action do not have to go to His Majesty? The whole principle of the award is that they are given by the officer commanding the. Expeditionary Force, or the Fleet in this case, and there is no necessity for them to go to His Majesty?

If I may say so, my hon. Friend is wrong in one particular. There is an award which, although recommended on the field of action, is still a recommendation and has to go to the King in all cases.

Will my right hon. Friend look into the matter, because I do not think his statement is correct?

I will.