The “super head” Jean Else has had her damehood “for services to education” revoked.

And yet Sir Fred Goodwin, the former chief of RBS who brought this world famous Scottish banking institution to its knees, keeps his knighthood “for services to banking”.

The honours system works so capriciously it is a joke.

Sir Fred didn’t have any qualifications in banking so couldn’t be disciplined by his professional body for breaking any rules – unlike Dame Jean.

So, for that simple reason, he is still a “Sir” while Jean is no longer a “Dame”.

When are we going to be rid of all these ridiculous name-changing gongs?

Parliament could take a lead by ending the absurd practice of Knighthoods and Damehoods “for political services”.

That would be a start.

But don't hold your breath.

I see that RBS - 83% State owned - has announced (Thursday 24th February) a £1.1 billion loss for 2010. And close to a billion in bonuses for bankers.

Just like the old days.