The sentence $$ The head of the pizza makers$$ association said the trademark was a great honour.$$ In the Direct Speech would be:

A$)$ The head of the pizza makers$$ association said: $$The trademark was a great honour.$$

B$)$ The head of the pizza makers$$ association said: $$ The trademark will be a great honour.$$

C$)$ The head of the pizza makers$$ association said: $$The trademark is a great honour.$$

D$)$ The head of the pizza makers$$ association said: $$The trademark has been a great honour.$$

E$)$ The head of the pizza makers$$ association said: $$The trademark was been a great honour.$$