§ 12. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction felt by British residents and visitors in Paris owing to the fact that the Union Jack was not flown on the flagstaff of the British Embassy on 6th May, being the 21st anniversary of the accession of His Majesty the King; what was the reason 1172 for this omission; and whether he will give instructions that the British flag shall be flown at all British Embassies on the various ceremonial occasions when the Union Jack is hoisted on public buildings in this country?
§ Mr. DALTONMy right hon. Friend is not aware of any such dissatisfaction. Flags are not ordinarily flown at His Majesty's Embassies and Legations on the anniversary of His Majesty's accession. My right hon. Friend sees no reason to revise the instructions issued on this subject by his predecesor.
§ Sir W. DAVISONWhy should not our Embassies abroad fly the national flag, seeing that it is flown from public buildings in this country? If the Foreign Office are not aware of the position, and will inquire of correspondents in Paris, they will learn that the feeling is as I have indicated in my question, and that attention to this small matter would give great satisfaction. A number of letters have been addressed to me.
§ Mr. DALTONThe answer I have given is that the practice in this matter is governed by regulations issued some years ago, and my right hon. Friend is quite content to abide by the regulations issued by the right hon. Member for West Birmingham (Sir A. Chamberlain).
§ Mr. MARJORIBANKSIs there no limitation to the slavish imitation of the previous Government?