To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the outcome of the review of long service awards in the armed forces. [79892]

Her Majesty the Queen has graciously approved the institution of a new award to be known as the Queen's Volunteer Reserves Medal to recognise outstanding service in the volunteer reserve forces. It will apply to volunteer reserves in all three Services and will be open to service men and women of any rank.Her Majesty the Queen has also graciously approved the institution of a new award to be known as the Volunteer Reserves Service Medal to recognise 10 years continuous efficient service in the volunteer reserve forces. The Volunteer Reserves Medal will replace the Royal Naval Reserve Decoration, the Royal Naval Reserve Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, the Efficiency Decoration, the Efficiency Medal and the Air Efficiency Award. It will apply to volunteer reserves in all three Services and will be open to serve men and women of any rank.