Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of current eligibility criteria for long‑service medallic recognition for former Volunteer Reserve personnel who completed service prior to 1 April 1999; and if he will review options for retrospective recognition.

Prior to the introduction of the Volunteer Reserves Service Medal in April 1999, service in the Reserve Forces was appropriately recognised by the separate decorations and medals that were awarded respectively to officers and other ranks in each of the Services. The Department has no plans to review options for retrospective recognition for those who served in the Reserve Forces before 1 April 1999.