HC Deb 10 May 1909 vol 4 c1420
Mr. ASHLEY

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the King's Regulations provide that the Union Jack shall be flown at certain military stations on anniversaries and other occasions, he would direct that Empire Day should be observed as an anniversary both at home and abroad?

Mr. HALDANE

The hon. Member asked me an exactly similar question in July last. Will he kindly refer to the reply I gave him on that occasion, to which I have nothing to add? We do not attach the same importance to Empire Day as some hon. Members opposite.

Mr. ASHLEY

May I ask, in view of the fact that the right hon. Gentleman refers me to his answer of last year, and that the answer he gave last year referred to the answers he gave two or three years before, whether he will state why he persists in treating Empire Day in this way?

Mr. HALDANE

We do not think the Empire is held together by the flying of flags.

Mr. ASHLEY

Does the right hon. Gentleman attach no value to sentiment?

Mr. HALDANE

I do not say that I attach no value to sentiment, but there are many very important things to be done first.

Mr. ROBERT DUNCAN

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if there has not been a vast change in public opinion during the past year?

Mr. SPEAKER

Hon. Members can form their own opinion on that matter.