HC Deb 25 November 1909 vol 13 cc342-3
Mr. T. L. CORBETT (for Captain Craig)

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, whether he is aware, that for many years past, according to the Official Calendar, the Queen's and more recently the King's Birthday has been celebrated in Queen's College, Galway, as a holiday and the Union Jack flown on the college buildings, and that on 9th November last, the first King's Birthday since the affiliation of the college to the National University in Dublin, the Union Jack was not hoisted; and whether he can state if orders were issued from Dublin Castle to this effect, or, if not, by whom?

Mr. BIRRELL

I am informed by the President of University College, Galway, that under the Statute for the college, the King's Birthday is not a "Statutory Holiday, "and was not observed by the college on 9th November. No regulations have at any time existed as to flying the Union Jack on the college buildings, and no orders with reference thereto were given for 9th November?

Mr. JOHN ROCHE

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that it is not usual to hoist the Union Jack over public buildings in Ireland on the King's Birthday, and even in the case of the brewers and distillers it has not been done?

Mr. BIRRELL

Very shocking!

Mr. T. L. CORBETT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Belfast and other loyal parts of the North of Ireland— T know the right hon. Gentleman treats this with contempt—it has been in the past the custom to hoist the Union Jack as the emblem of the unity of empire?

Mr. BIRRELL

I have no knowledge of it.

Mr. JOYCE

What price do you get for flying it?

Mr. J. MacVEAGH

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that on the last birthday of the King there was not a Union Jack flying in the whole of the constituency of North Down?