HC Deb 13 June 1918 vol 106 cc2370-1
48. Mr. HARRIS

asked what is the total number of recipients of the Order of the British Empire in each class since the inception of the Order, and who have the right to make nominations?

Mr. BRACE

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The total number of persons appointed to the various classes of the Order is as follows: —

Class I. … … … 58
Class II. … … … 216
Class III. … … … 704
Class IV. … … … 2,139
Class V. … … … 2,833

Appointments to the Order are made by the King on the advice of the Prime Minister; but the duty of preparing lists of recommendations to be submitted, if the Prime Minister approves them, to His Majesty rests with the Home Secretary. For this purpose the Home Secretary receives recommendations from the Minister sat the head of the various Government Departments in respect of services coming within the scope of their several Departments. He does not accept recommendations from any other person, nor does he accept from any Minister recommendations in respect of services for which that Minister is not responsible.

Mr. HARRIS

Is there any limit to the total number of these honours. [HON. MEMBERS: "No!"] Will the right hon. Gentleman consider fixing 47,000, or some such number?

General CROFT

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform us how many of these decorations were given to Members of this House, and whether he considers the House of Commons received quite its fair share?

Mr. BRACE

Perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will put down a question.

Mr. HOLT

Can the right hon. Gentleman arrange to have these men organised as a complete and homogeneous division of the British Army?