Clasps (Issue)

13.

Rear-Admiral ADAIR
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what is the cause of the delay in issuing the clasps which are due to be awarded in accordance with Fleet Order No. 2,051?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Amery)
Owing to the urgent need for economy which has arisen since the announcement referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend, it has been found necessary to suspend action in this matter.

Rear-Admiral ADAIR
Does the right hon. Gentleman really mean that from motives of economy, these officers are to be deprived of the bars of their medals?

Mr. AMERY
It is not a question of depriving, but the work of settling all the clasps takes a great deal of time, and involves the employment of a very considerable staff.

Rear-Admiral ADAIR
Are they justified in wearing bars on the miniatures, which they purchase at their own cost?

Mr. AMERY
Perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will give me notice of that question.

Colonel ASHLEY
When will the clasps be issued—in six months, a year, or five years, or when?

Mr. AMERY
I cannot suggest a date.

Viscount CURZON
Are we to understand that the issue is merely postponed, or postponed sine die?

Mr. AMERY
I do not say sine die, but it is certainly postponed.