CAPTAIN CRAIGI beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works if he can state why the national flag was not flown on the National Portrait Gallery on Trafalgar Day; and whether he is aware of the universal desire throughout the country to honour the memory of the hero of that engagement
§ MR. J. MACVEAGH (Down, S.)May I ask whether this Question was not handed 1620 in at the Table the day before Trafalgar Day, and whether the right hon. Gentleman concludes from that fact that the hon. and gallant Member for South Down does not know what day Trafalgar Day is?
§ THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (Mr. L. HARCOURT,) Lancashire, RossendaleI think there was an element of intelligent anticipation. The responsibility for the National Portrait Gallery in this matter rests with the director. It has never been the custom to fly flags on public buildings on Trafalgar Day. The Nelson Column was as usual admirably decorated. I do not think it desirable unduly to extend the area of anniversary decorations, and I cannot believe that the honour in which Lord Nelson's memory is held would be better served by an increased display of bunting.