Government Flying Service crewman Jason Chan Siu-kei, who suffered severe burns while rescuing children from the Pat Sin Leng hillfire, receives the Queen's Gallantry medal.

Ronald So Chi-yip, also a flying service crewman, gets the Queen's Commendation for Bravery in the Air for rescuing people from the burning Garley Building.

Secretary for Security Peter Lai Hing-ling, Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Nicholas Ng Wing-fui, Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands Bowen Leung Po-wing, Secretary for Transport Gordon Siu Kwing-chue and Commissioner of Police Eddie Hui Ki-on are given CBEs. Commander British Forces Major-General Bryan Dutton becomes a Companion of the Order of the Bath.

Governor Chris Patten's personal adviser Martin Dinham is named a CBE, while colleague Edward Llewellyn gets an MBE. Press secretary Kerry McGlynn becomes an OBE, and deputy private secretary Kim Salkeld, social secretary Louise Law, and housekeeper Elspeth Collins-Taylor are named MBEs.

Also named are key figures in Britain's relations with China, including Joint Liaison Group member Alan Paul - Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George - and JLG chief interpreter Anita Chan Suk-wah, CBE.

Former legislators Martin Barrow and Simon Ip Sik-on, whose abstentions allowed Mr Patten's democratic reforms to be passed by the Legislative Council, become CBEs.

A notable absentee was Attorney-General Jeremy Matthews who was not mentioned on the list - the last for Hong Kong. Prince Charles is expected to present the awards.