HL Deb 25 June 2002 vol 636 c127WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they consider references to the British Empire in public honours to be appropriate in the post-imperial age. [HL4706]

The Lord Privy Seal (Lord Williams of Mostyn)

The Government recognise that some people think the name anachronistic but the order itself is generally regarded with affection by a great many people.