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<p>The assessment of historic medals claims is a matter for the independent Advisory
Military Sub-Committee (AMSC) whose terms of reference are publicly available on gov.uk.</p><p>The
independent chair of the AMSC was appointed through open and fair competition via
a public appointments process. The AMSC has a majority of independent members who
were recruited for their working knowledge of HM Armed Forces; experience of public
service; experience of assessment and decision-making. It is important that members
of the Sub-Committee advising on the award of military honours have relevant knowledge
and experience. Members are required to declare any conflicts of interest to the AMSC
secretariat before any evidence is presented to the AMSC and prior to any discussion
of a particular claim taking place.</p><p>The AMSC meets regularly to discuss cases.
As an independent Sub-Committee, the AMSC may determine for itself which medals claims
should be reviewed. I understand that the case for medallic recognition for Nuclear
Test Veterans was considered at length by the Sub-Committee.</p><p>It is not possible
to give specific timings on the duration required for the Sub-Committee to consider
a case, as each claim will be different and each case is carefully considered. The
details of cases must remain confidential until the decision-making process is final.
To preserve the confidentiality of the honours process, the details of decisions are
not published. The outcome of AMSC reviews are announced on gov.uk once the advice
has been fully assessed, including (where appropriate) via the Committee on the Grant
of Honours, Decorations and Medals to The Sovereign.</p>
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