HC Deb 15 December 1964 vol 704 cc206-7
Q4. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Prime Minister if he will introduce legislation to abolish the system of honours.

The Prime Minister

No, Sir.

Mr. Hamilton

Did I hear my right hon. Friend aright? Is he aware that millions of people in the country regard the present system with the cynical hilarity that it so thoroughly deserves? Does not he regard the post-election Honours Lists as the Establishment equivalent to the E.T.U. "ballot rigging" exercise—the lists from both sides of this House—and will not he consider, if not legislation, setting up a committee consisting of my hon. Friends the Members for Ebbw Vale (Mr. Michael Foot) and South Ayrshire (Mr. Emrys Hughes) and myself to examine this question objectively?

The Prime Minister

I am not quite sure about the millions referred to by my hon. Friend, who has obviously acquainted himself with their contempt for the honours system, but I know from my postbag that there are many millions more who have a very lively interest in it.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

However that may be, may I ask the Prime Minister when he intends to have struck a new, meaningful, purposive Dunkirk medal?