asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the long delays between the date of a first submission and the date of a final award in respect of a decoration for gallantry on active service; and if he will take steps to remedy this.

Everything is done to avoid delay in matters of this kind. On occasion it is inevitable for various reasons that some time should elapse before a final award is made. If my hon. Friend will furnish details in any particular instance which he has in mind I shall be glad to have investigation made.