 The same year, he criticised the number of Royal servants who appeared on the biannual honours lists, calling instead for "scores of miners" to be honoured as they were just as worthy.Labour was returned to government at the February 1974 general election, and Dormand was appointed as an assistant government whip under Bob Mellish.He was promoted to be a Lord of the Treasury (full Government whip) in a reshuffle after the October election.