1981 Special Honours

As part of the British honours system, Special Honours are issued at the Monarch's pleasure at any given time. The Special Honours refer to the awards made within royal prerogative, operational honours and other honours awarded outside the New Years Honours and Birthday Honours.

Baronesses

 * Felicity Jane, Mrs. Ewart-Biggs, Widow of Christopher Thomas Ewart-Biggs, C.M.G., O.B.E., formerly H.M. Ambassador, Dublin.
 * Miss Felicity Lane Fox, O.B.E., vice-president, Royal Association of Disability and Rehabilitation. Chairman, The Phipps Respiratory Unit Patients' Association, St. Thomas's Hospital, London.
 * Rachel Trixie Anne, Mrs. Gardner, Member, Greater London Council. British Chairman, European Union of Women.
 * Beryl Catherine, Mrs. Platt, C.B.E., Vice-chairman, Essex County Council.

Barons

 * Professor Sir Max Beloff, lately Principal, University College at Buckingham.
 * The Right Honourable Edward Stanley Bishop, Member of Parliament for Newark, Nottingham 1964–1979; Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 1974–1979.
 * Alan Robertson Campbell, Q.C. A Recorder of the Crown Court.
 * Hugh Gater Jenkins, Member of Parliament for Wandsworth, Putney 1964-1979 ; Minister for the Arts 1974–1976.
 * John Mackie, Member of Parliament for Enfield East 1959–1974; Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 1964–1970. Chairman, Forestry Commission 1976–1979.
 * William John Molloy, Member of Parliament for Ealing North 1964-1979 ; Member of European Parliament 1976–1979.
 * Dafydd Elystan Morgan, Member of Parliament for Cardigan 1966-1974 ; Parliamentary Under-secretary of State, Home Office 1968–1970.
 * Sir Arthur Desmond Herne Plummer, T.D., D.L., chairman, Horserace Betting Levy Board. Formerly Leader of the Greater London Council.
 * The Right Honourable James Anthony Stodart, Member of Parliament for Edinburgh West 1959- 1974 ; Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 1972–1974.
 * Hugh Swynnerton Thomas, Historian. Chairman, Centre for Policy Studies.
 * Geoffrey Johnson Tordoff, Manager, Public Affairs (Chemicals) Shell U.K. Limited. Chairman, Campaigns Committee, Liberal Party.