§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Prime Minister what steps he is taking to review the system of making recommendations for the award of honours in order that it gives a truer reflection of voluntary effort; if he will reduce the proportion of recommendations for awards to senior civil servants; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterI have the system of making recommendations for the award of honours under constant review, and changes are made in it from time to time. I am always anxious to ensure that worthy voluntary service receives its fair share of recognition, though not to the exclusion of distinguished paid service in any field. So far as civil servants are concerned, I announced very substantial reductions in the scale of awards at all levels in the House in 1967.