§ Mrs. Jegerasked the Prime Minister if he will have consultations about advising the termination of the award of honours which refer to the British Empire; and if he will advise the constitution of a community service award with more contemporary nomenclature.
§ The Prime MinisterSuggestions of this kind have been considered from time to time, but have not attracted any particular support. The British Empire Order was designed to recognise outstanding service or distinction of any kind, and the recognition of social service to the community, particularly voluntary service, has increasingly become one of its most important functions. The balance of advantage remains, in my opinion, against either a change in the traditional name or the setting up of a new Order.