I WAS surprised to read (LET, December 30) details of the 'Prime Minister's' honours list. I was under the impression that the honours list was the prerogative of the Queen.

Neil Bramwell is obviously under the same impression, according to his column of the same date.

Although I did not particularly care for his former cafe 'exploits,' I have been impressed with his comments on the football scene and certainly agree, assuming his facts to be correct, that there is something wrong somewhere.

LILLIAN PLEYDELL, Railway Street, Nelson.

FOOTNOTE: The New Year honours list this year was officially described as the 'Prime Minister's New Year Honours 1999,' although the honours are still traditionally actually bestowed by the Queen. It is a subtle change, but perhaps reflects the fact that the decision on who will get which honours has long been decided by politicians - Editor.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.