Written question asked by Claire Curtis-Thomas (Labour) on Thursday, 2 July 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 July 2009. It was answered by Lord Beamish (Labour) on Thursday, 9 July 2009 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Military Decorations: Crosby

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many families in Crosby constituency he estimates will receive the Elizabeth Cross in 2009.

Answer: It is estimated that the next of kin (NOK) of some 8,000 armed forces personnel, who have died on operations, or as a result of an act of terrorism, from 1 January 1948 to date, will be eligible to receive the Elizabeth Cross and Memorial Scroll. The eligibility criteria and how to apply were outlined by the Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member for Coventry, North-East (Mr. Ainsworth) in his written ministerial statement of 1 July 2009, Official Report, columns 18-21WS. It is not possible for the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to determine how many NOK will actually apply, when they may choose to apply and where they live. Therefore it is not possible to identify how many families in the Crosby constituency will receive the Elizabeth Cross in 2009.

Secondary information