§ 46. Mrs. Tateasked the Prime Minister whether he will in future recommend that civil awards should be made according to the merit of the service rendered without regard to the rank or age of the recipient?
§ Mr. AttleeGallantry awards such as the George Cross, the George Medal and Commendation are made without regard to rank or age. I do not consider that it would be practicable entirely to dissociate rank or status from selection for recommendation for appointment to the various Classes of the Orders. The achievement of a certain status is often in itself meritorious. Age alone is not a criterion, but length of exceptionally good service must often be an important factor in making recommendations.