§ Q5. Mr. Tilneyasked the Prime Minister whether he will suggest the introduction of a Commonwealth Order of Merit which could be given on the advice of Presidents and Governors General to any of their nationals who had shown outstanding service for the Commonwealth.
§ The Prime MinisterCitizens of Commonwealth countries, other than the United Kingdom, are of course eligible for the existing Order of Merit. Other Commonwealth countries, where The Queen is not Head of State, have their own systems of honours, and I think there would be difficulties in proposing a Commonwealth-wide system as the hon. Member suggests.
§ Mr. TilneyDespite the present difficulties between two Commonwealth countries, since hon. Members on both sides of the House wish to stimulate the Commonwealth concept, and since the recognition of endeavour is very acceptable to the human race, can the Prime Minister say that should another Commonwealth country propose such an order the Government of the United Kingdom would not oppose it?
§ The Prime MinisterI am not sure whether the hon. Member has in mind the existing Order of Merit as we know it or some extension of it. As he will realise, these awards are made on the 222 initiative of Her Majesty as a mark of honour and not on recommendation. If the hon. Gentleman is raising the question of some new Commonwealth Order we shall be prepared to give consideration to any suggestion made by any Commonwealth Head of Government, although a large number of Commonwealth citizens are already included in the Birthday and New Year's Honours Lists every year.