HC Deb 17 June 1976 vol 913 cc731-2
Q1. Mr. Skinner

asked the Prime Minister whether he will set up a committee to examine the abolition of the Honours List.

Q6. Mr. Gow

asked the Prime Minister what proposals he has to strengthen the Political Honours Scrutiny Committee.

The Prime Minister (Mr. James Callaghan)

I shall keep all aspects of the honours system under review. But I am not at present satisfied that a committee should be established to review the system, or that additional powers are needed to strengthen the Political Honours Scrutiny Committee.

Mr. Skinner

Does my right hon. Friend agree that perhaps the most sensible and democratic thing to do would be to abolish the Honours system altogether? Does he agree that the last list of the ex-Prime Minister shows that where there is patronage and no accountability it will always be property speculators first and Labour door-knockers last?

The Prime Minister

The cohesion of our society certainly does not depend upon the Honours system. I do not claim that it is in every way a perfect system, but it is a useful way for society to recognise the contribution that individuals make to our national life. If I may judge from the letters that I receive from hon. Members on both sides of the House making recommendations to me on behalf of others who have performed a service, it is clearly widely recognised as such in the House. I am bound to say that from my own experience it gives a great deal of satisfaction to a great many people who do voluntary service in many ways.

As regards the list of my right hon. Friend the Member for Huyton (Sir H. Wilson), it is not the custom of the House to comment on individual awards. However, I recommend that my hon. Friend makes a close study of the list. If he does so, I do not think he will find his strictures justified.

Mr. Gow

Does the right hon. Gentleman accept that the very criteria that he mentioned—namely, a reward to those to whom reward is due—has been breached in the most shameful fashion by his right hon. Friend the Member for Huyton (Sir H. Wilson)?

The Prime Minister

No, I do not accept that. I doubt whether many of the people making these accusations have read the whole list.