asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will issue long-service medals, free of charge, to members of the fire services.

A recommendation of the Central Fire Brigades Advisory Council that a long-service medal should be instituted for members of the fire services is under consideration and I hope that it will be possible to make an announcement shortly.

While that reply is gratifying, could not the right hon. and learned Gentleman say now that he is prepared favourably to consider this recommendation, and that such provision will be made, because it has been long expected?

I am sorry to have to ask the hon. Lady to be patient for a little while longer, but I hope it will only be a little while.