Written question asked by Andrew Dismore (Labour) on Tuesday, 23 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 December 2004. It was answered by Ivor Caplin (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 December 2004 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the value (a) to collectors and (b) as scrap of specimen medals, unissued medals and medal clasps held at Droitwich which are surplus to requirements; what plans he has to dispose of such stocks; if he will dispose of them by (i) auction and (ii) competitive tender; what assessment he has made of the rarity of the items; if he will list the stocks held of each of these items dating to wars and campaigns before 1939; and if he will make a statement. - Including fact that for detailed list, will write and place in Library.

Answer: Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the value (a) to collectors and (b) as scrap of specimen medals, unissued medals and medal clasps held at Droitwich which are surplus to requirements; what plans he has to dispose of such stocks; if he will dispose of them by (i) auction and (ii) competitive tender; what assessment he has made of the rarity of the items; if he will list the stocks held of each of these items dating to wars and campaigns before 1939; and if he will make a statement. [199424] Mr. Caplin: No medals will be offered for sale. The Army Medal Office retains a limited amount of named medals and clasps, which were issued but have been returned for various reasons. These medals have a commercial value, but it would not be appropriate to seek to exploit this through the open market. They will instead be offered to Regimental Museums. Stocks of unengraved medals and clasps held by the Army Medal Office which are not required by the new MOD Medal Office will be returned to the Royal Mint for destruction and the value of the bullion will be recovered to the Exchequer. Unengraved medals and clasps have no commercial value. A detailed list of surplus stock of items dating before 1939 is currently being compiled. I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 199424; 428 c1161W
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Medals Military decorations Army Medal Office Ministry of Defence Medal Office
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk