Written question asked by Graham Allen (Labour) on Thursday, 29 April 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 May 2004. It was answered by Ivor Caplin (Labour) on Monday, 10 May 2004 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimates he has made of the cost to the Department of awarding a medal for service on the Arctic convoys. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Allen: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimates he has made of the cost to the Department of awarding a medal for service on the Arctic convoys. [171121] Mr. Caplin: It is not possible to determine with any certainty how many people served in Arctic waters during the Second World War, but it is estimated that more than 95,000 Royal Navy personnel may have done so. The cost of issuing a new medal to Royal Navy veterans alone, including staff costs and the cost of the medal itself, would be at least £14 million if all those eligible or their next of kin applied.

Secondary information