INDUSTRIAL ORDER OF MERT. PROPOSED CREATION OF: Memo. by Lord President of the Council.

Kinghthood C.B.E. British and above. O.B.E. or Empire Total M.B.E. Medals Average last two lists before the war. 4 5 3 12 New Year, 1941 8 17 11 36 Birthday, 1941 9 21 23 53 New Year, 1942 14 34 16 64 A further increase is, I understand, to be made in the forthcoming Birthday list. Extended use of existing orders 4. I think it important that the qualifications required for the awards listed in paragraph 2 should not be lowered. It is, however, my belief that, if the necessary steps were taken, there would be brought to light a considerable number of cases of especially meritorious service in industry, involving gallantry or exceptional endurance, which would appropriately be recognised by the award of British Empire Medals.