HC Deb 24 May 1911 vol 26 cc251-3
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

asked the Lord Advocate whether lieutenants of counties in Scotland are subject to the jurisdiction of the Secretary for Scotland; and, if not, why has the Secretary for Scotland memorialised them with regard to a special flag for Lords-Lieutenant?

The LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. Ure)

The answer to the first part of the Noble Lord's question is in the negative. The Secretary for Scotland did not memorialise the Lords-Lieutenant. On the 6th April last he transmitted to them a copy of a design which had been approved by the King, for a flag to be used by His Majesty's Lieutenants of Counties.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

What was the letter sent from the Scottish Office on 26th April with regard to the subject?

Mr. URE

I should require notice of that question.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

asked what is the reason for altering the Union Jack as it now exists in order to provide a special flag for Lords-Lieutenant in Scotland; whether any lieutenants have objected to fly the Union Jack; and whether the Union Jack is the recognised official flag at present?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Churchill)

The Lord Advocate has asked me to answer this question. In consequence of representations from the Association of Lieutenants of Counties His Majesty has been pleased to approve of a design for a distinctive flag to be used by His Majesty's Lieutenants of Counties throughout the United Kingdom. The Union Jack is the recognised flag to be used by British subjects who are not entitled to use a special flag.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

Is this the same flag that was suggested by the Secretary of State for War in 1907, rejected by the Lords-Lieutenant, and withdrawn during the last reign and who is responsible for suggesting it during this reign?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I have not had an opportunity of even seeing the present flags or comparing it with the flag which the Noble Lord alleges was proposed by the Secretary of State for War in the late reign. The flag, I understand, was a special concession and honour to the Lords-Lieutenant.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

Would the right hon. Gentleman give us the names of the Lords-Lieutenant?

Mr. WATT

Would the right hon. Gentleman say whether the lion rampant of Scotland is not good enough for these Lords-Lieutenant?