§ Dr. Michael ClarkTo ask the Prime Minister what proportion of those recommended for honours were civil servants, members of the armed forces and Government employees(a) in each of the two years prior to the changes of 1993 and (b) in each year thereafter. [33051]
§ The Prime MinisterFigures for civil servants are not available separately. The proportions of state servants1 awarded honours in the new year and birthday lists of around 1,000 names each, are listed. The number of military awards2 shows the number of awards in the defence services lists, which are purely military, issued at the same time following recommendations to the Queen by my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Defence:
Year Percentage of state servants1 Number of military awards2 1991 19 533 1992 19 527 1993 18 475 1994 17 424 1995 16 320 1996 17 315 1 Figures are for state servants which include not only civil servants in headquarters, professional and local posts, but also those giving wider state service, for example in the museums and galleries field; to both Houses of Parliament; and as circuit judges. 2 The numbers of military awards include members of the regular and reserve forces but exclude special lists for awards in a designated theatre (during the period from 1991 these have included Northern Ireland and the Gulf) Between 1994 and 1996, 56 meritorious awards were taken from the honours lists and were published separately in operational lists. Since March 1993, any automatic recognition to staff in particular posts has ceased. Awards for state servants are selected on merit, reflecting service beyond what might normally be expected.