HC Deb 11 May 1908 vol 188 cc738-9
CAPTAIN CRAIG

I beg to ask the Prime Minister whether, in view of the increasing desire among British subjects at home and abroad officially to recognise Empire Day, His Majesty's Government will prescribe 24th May as a day on which the British flag is henceforth to be flown over Government buildings, including those of the War Office and Board of Trade.

THE PRIME MINISTER AND FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. ASQUITH,) Fife, E.

I can only repeat the Answer given last year by the late Prime Minister, with which I agree, namely, that he had already given this matter his consideration, and that he did not think it advisable that any order should be issued with regard to the hoisting of flags on Government buildings on the day in question.

CAPTAIN CRAIG

May I ask whether the Cabinet as a whole have any objection to each Minister in charge of a Department having the flag flown over his own Department?

MR. ASQUITH

Not the faintest.

MR. DELANY

Would the right hon. Gentleman say what Ireland has gained from the Imperial policy of the late Government that her people should take off their hats and shout on Empire Day?

[No Answer was returned.]