Letter: Reform of the honours system is a mixed blessing

Sir: Criticising our honours system, the ultimate glamour of which derives from the Queen, Tony Benn says we should move to a system of government by consent ('Corruption, privilege and reward', 5 March), but a recent Gallup poll showed that all but 9 per cent wished to retain our monarchy.

He should be prepared to admit that republics also have systems of public rewards and decorations, which may be quite cynically

bestowed.

Yours faithfully,

MARY S. HART

London, SW15

6 March