§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Prime Minister what factors he took into account when advising Her Majesty on the award of honours for the Jubilee List.
§ The Prime MinisterRecommendations to Her Majesty the Queen for the Silver Jubilee and Birthday Honours List take account of many factors; in particular they recognise a wide variety of public and voluntary service, especially service in the care of children, the sick and the disabled, services to the arts and services to industry and exports; and, on this occasion, service in connection with the Silver Jubilee celebrations and public service throughout the whole of Her Majesty's reign.
§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Prime Minister what steps he is taking to review the system of making recommendations for the award of honours in order that it gives a truer reflection of voluntary effort; if he will reduce the proportion of recommendations for awards to senior civil servants; and if he will make a statement.
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§ The Prime MinisterI keep the system of making recommendations for the award of honours under review. I have placed emphasis on the need to ensure that voluntary service receives appropriate recognition. About one-third of the half-yearly list is devoted to local services of all kinds. As far as civil servants are concerned, very substantial reductions were made in 1967, and this is one of the aspects of the system which I shall keep under examination.