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Honours System (Reform)

: I am saying only that we should have an elected House of Lords. We have reached that stage. I hope that the Minister can answer my next point. I see no problem in someone who gives a large amount of money to an educational institution receiving an honour. The honour could be inscribed ““For provided funds to improve education””. However, it would be a problem if that person were then made a Member of a House that makes our laws. It is correct that those who give donations for public service should receive honours, but they must be described as such. However, I am not concerned about those who make donations but with people who, in my view, really deserve honours. I have come across the problem twice in my political career. It first happened when I was in the Welsh valleys. The lady in question had worked for years on behalf of the Conservative party, almost single-handedly flying the flag. She had never wanted to go up the greasy pole and she had no personal ambition. She did it for what she believed in. I am sure that Labour Members know of similar people in their constituencies. I was asked to provide some background information with a view to that lady being given an honour. Unfortunately, she never received one. I would like to see more people like her receive honours. That brings me to my main point, which is a constituency matter. I shall not mention the name of the person concerned, because that might be counterproductive. My predecessor as the Member for Wellingborough worked hard for someone who had done much to improve the lot of children in a very deprived area of Africa. My predecessor had supported an application for an honour, but nothing ever happened. He came to see me, the newly elected Member for Wellingborough, and asked me to support the application and to ascertain what had gone wrong. I made inquiries and found that the person in question had been rejected. I could see no reason for the rejection, and I have supported a new application. It transpired that there is a limit to the number of honours awarded each year, and the category in question was limited to 1,000 awards. I find it hard to believe that there were 1,000 people more worthy than my constituent. Will the Minister say whether honours are capped, or are they determined on merit? If he can, I would appreciate the Minister helping my constituent, who is extremely deserving, has spent years improving conditions for children in Africa, is well known locally and has had national recognition.