Oral Answers to Questions — Honours (Political Services)

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 18 June 1964.

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Photo of Mr Emanuel Shinwell Mr Emanuel Shinwell , Easington 12:00, 18 June 1964

Does the right hon. Gentleman imagine that he has defined in that Answer what is meant by "political services"? Will he explain to the House how from time to time honours are awarded to Members of the Tory Party who have performed no particular service except to keep their mouths shut? [Laughter.] In view of that derisory interruption, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that I have never asked for any honours nor do I need them? What is the qualification for making anybody a knight or baronet? Will he explain this, because the public are intensely interested in it. Will he give an assurance that in future, particularly on the Dissolution, he will refrain from embarking on what is an archaic and farcical inanity?