Written question asked by Brian Jenkins (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 31 March 1999. It was answered by Lord Robertson of Port Ellen (Labour) on Wednesday, 31 March 1999 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: 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.

Answer: Mr. Jenkins: 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] Mr. George Robertson: 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. As far as the Long Service and Good Conduct Medals of the Regular Armed Forces are concerned, I have concluded that it is not necessary to recommend to Her Majesty any change in the existing awards.

Secondary information