Memorandum by the Rt Hon Lord Monro of
Langholm AE DL (HON 64)
1. I believe, strongly, we should continue
the present system, but with some modifications.
They are:
(1) Much more weight in the CBE-OBE-MBE area
should go to the recommendation of the Lord Lieutenant. I had
34 years of experience as an MP and had an excellent relationship
with successive Lords Lieutenant. The frustration at the few awards
accepted by the Scottish Office was obvious. The Lords Lieutenants
know more about local affairs than Civil Servants.
(2) As Minister for Sport in the Department
of Environment from 1979-81 I felt the Minister's recommendations
were not given sufficient weight by the Sports Scrutiny Committee.
I believe the Minister should at least see the proposed final
list and other suggestions if necessary.
As Minister for Sport in the Scottish Office
1992-95 I found the situation somewhat better in that the Civil
Servants discussed the candidates for awards. Again the Minister
did not see the final list before publication.
The situation continued with other Departments
with which I had responsibility—Agriculture, Environment
and Fishing. I believe Ministers have a duty to look closely at
awards, but not of course either a definite approval or rejection.
March 2004
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