§ 7 and 8. Captain CROOKSHANKasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) which are the days on which flags are flown at British embassies and legations;
(2) On what grounds His Majesty's embassies and legations do not fly flags on the anniversary of His Majesty's accession, seeing that consulates are required to do so by the consular instructions published on page 122 of the Foreign Office List, 1931; and whether he is prepared to reconsider the relevant diplomatic instructions with a view to securing uniformity regarding British public buildings abroad?
§ Mr. DALTONHis Majesty's representatives abroad have instructions for the hoisting of the flag on the following occasions: the King's birthday, the Queen's birthday, the Prince of Wales' birthday and Empire Day. They may also fly the flag at their discretion on certain other occasions, such as Accession Day and Coronation Day. The flag is, in addition, flown on other days of importance to the foreign country concerned. I can send the hon. and gallant Member particulars if he so desires. The flying of the flag on Accession Day is optional, owing to the desirability of not unduly multiplying the number of such occasions and thereby diminishing their significance. This consideration does not apply to consulates, where, in many cases, the flag is flown daily throughout the year. As the hon. and gallant Member was informed on the 13th of May, my right hon. Friend sees no reason to revise the instructions on this subject issued by his predecessor.
§ Captain CROOKSHANKWould it not be desirable to have uniformity 1949 between the legations and consulates in a matter like this, especially in regard to Accession Day?
§ Mr. DALTONThat did not appear to be desirable to my right hon. Friend's predecessor, nor does it seem desirable to my right hon. Friend.
§ Sir W. DAVISONWhy should the Foreign Office always slavishly follow precedent?