§ Sir J. Langford-Holtasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) when consideration was first given to changing the regulations issued by him concerning the wearing of foreign orders and decorations;
(2) why the problem of whether to permit British citizens to wear foreign decorations and orders presented to them cannot be solved rapidly;
(3) whom he has consulted about the regulations concerning the wearing of foreign decorations; and if he can now give a firm date when he intends to inform the House of the results of the consideration which has been given by his Department to the problem for seven years.
§ Mr. MulleyI am not answerable for the former Government's response to the hon. Gentleman's Questions on the subject. Since he raised the matter recently, consultations have been taking place with the authorities concerned, and consideration is being given to the possibility of changing the rules for foreign honours. The matter is not a simple one and is bound to take time.
§ Sir J. Langford-Holtasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will give details of the reasons why he does not permit the wearing of foreign orders and decorations by British citizens.
§ Mr. MulleySuch restrictions as are imposed on the wearing of foreign awards in cases other than those earned by services in saving life, by services in the salaried employment of the foreign Government, by honorary consular services, enable a distinction to be made between awards conferred upon United Kingdom citizens by their own Sovereign and those conferred by other Heads of State.
§ Sir J. Langford-Holtasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs by what 97W authority he forbids British citizens to wear foreign decorations and orders awarded to them even when they are not in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. MulleyThere is no express embargo on the wearing of foreign honours by private citizens wherever they may be. But the Regulations concerning the Acceptance and Wearing of Foreign Orders, Decorations and Medals which the Foreign Secretary administers, while providing for the grant of permission for the wearing on any occasion of foreign honours earned by special services, specify in general terms the occasions on which awards earned by other services may be worn. These occasions are more numerous in the donor country than elsewhere.
§ Sir J. Langford-Holtasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why he has decided that it is improper for British citizens to wear the insignia of the Legion d'honneur when in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. MulleyAwards in the Legion of Honour, if made in accordance with the requirements of the Foreign Orders Regulations, may be worn with the appropriate permission provided in the regulations for foreign awards in general. The Legion of Honour is not treated in an exceptional manner.