Letter: Long history of honours for sale

Sir: Your leading article "Banish all the dishonourable honours" (5 June) was unfair in accusing David Lloyd George of introducing corrupt political honours. Honours were sold by monarchs and governments from the 17th century. Lloyd George was no worse than his critics, and he was not personally corrupt. Money raised from the sales was placed in the Coalition Liberal and Lloyd George Political Fund - and spent upon political activities.

PAUL SMITHERMAN

Southsea,

Hampshire