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Honours System (Reform)

: The hon. Gentleman must take on board the powerful evidence that the Committee received from Sir John Major on that issue. He explained why he no longer held the view that he previously did. He used to believe in what the hon. Gentleman is saying, but he has changed his mind, saying"““I believe it is now out of date””." He now thinks that a new Order of British Excellence is the way to proceed. He said:"““This is minimum change for maximum effect.””" I would have thought that was a good Conservative principle.