§ Q1. Mr. Masonasked the Prime Minister when he last conducted a review of the departmental procedure of submitting names for the Honours List; and what changes were made.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Macmillan)I have nothing to add to the Answer I gave to the hon. Member on 7th February. The departmental procedure is always under review.
§ Mr. MasonIs the Prime Minister aware that this system has already produced a semi-retired block of 87 dames, knights and baronets on his side of the House and that annually 10 per cent. of the awards in the Honours List go to Conservative Party political workers and that outside the House—
§ Mr. SpeakerI had occasion last week to explain to the hon. Member what the principle was. I thought that he understood it. He can ask about the departmental procedure for submitting names, but his supplementary question goes wide beyond that.
§ Mr. MasonI am afraid that there is such a long list of negatives about this matter that it is very difficult to keep on the lines. May I rephrase my question and ask the Prime Minister whether he is satisfied that this is a fair and just system, that it does not lean politically heavily on one side, that the awards of honours are not mainly going to those in the Conservative Party ranks instead of to the people who justly deserve them and to those who give voluntary services?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member's question is about departmental procedure.
§ Mr. ShinwellWhen does the right hon. Gentleman propose to conduct another review? When he does, will he take into consideration the fact that there are many of his hon. Friends who have not yet been awarded an honour? Would he be good enough to inform the House why they have not yet been honoured?
§ The Prime MinisterAfter the next twelve years of our being in office that will no doubt be remedied.