HC Deb 20 July 1987 vol 120 c107W
Mr. Speller

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to the reply of 15 July, if he will seek powers to allow councils which do not have the status of a city or royal borough to confer their freedom upon persons or upon units of the armed forces; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Chope

All districts which have been granted by royal charter the status of city, borough or royal borough have the power to confer honorary freedom. The freedom of the borough has traditionally been a right to participate in privileges conferred by royal charter. I see no reason to break this link.