HC Deb 19 November 1968 vol 773 c1108
Q1. Mr. Tilney

asked the Prime Minister whether he will discuss with Commonwealth Presidents and his fellow Prime Ministers the possibility of a Commonwealth Medal to be given sparingly by the Head of the Commonwealth on the advice of Presidents and Prime Ministers to those who have rendered outstanding Commonwealth service.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Wilson)

I would prefer to wait until there is evidence of some general interest in such a medal in the Commonwealth.

Mr. Tilney

But since men and women like rewards and recognition, would not the striking of such a medal strengthen the idea of Commonwealth?

The Prime Minister

There is in most Commonwealth countries adequate provision for national awards. I have had no indication that any of my fellow Heads of Government in the Commonwealth would wish to symbolise the intimacy of the Commonwealth in this way.