HC Deb 11 February 1937 vol 320 cc575-6
46. Mr. Mander

asked the Prime Minister the names of the members of the advisory committee appointed as a result of the Royal Commission on Honours and the occasions on which it has met during the last two years; and whether in any instance an honour proposed has not been approved?

The Prime Minister

The Political Honours Scrutiny Committee, appointed as a result of the Royal Commission on Honours, is constituted as follows:

  • The Lord Macmillan (Chairman),
  • The Rt. Hon. G. N. Barnes, C.H.,
  • The Most Hon. The Marquess of Crewe, K.G.
The Committee has met during the past two years in connection with each Honours List issued during the period. The proceedings of the committee are confidential. I am unable, therefore, to answer the last part of the question.

Mr. Shinwell

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, whether, before any future Honours List is prepared, he will give a fuller explanation of the public services rendered by some of the recipients?

Mr. Lees-Smith

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that no Honour has been recommended during his period of office on account of any consideration connected with contributions to party funds?

The Prime Minister

That is a point which, of course, has often been raised, and the setting up of this committee was to deal with this very matter. I have not had notice of this question, but my recollection is, that such an undertaking is invariably given, and, as far as I know, it has always been carried out.