§ Q20. Mr. Loughlinasked the Prime Minister if he will recommend to Her Majesty the Queen that consideration be given to re-assessing the criteria according to which honours and awards for valour are granted, and in particular to examining the question of which awards are available to forces personnel in Northern Ireland.
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think any changes in the criteria governing the granting of honours and awards for valour are necessary. I am glad to say that The Queen has approved that the General Officer Commanding and Director of Operations Northern Ireland may now recommend the award of the full range of military operational awards for valour and distinguished service. These are in addition to the non-operational awards which have hitherto been available.