HC Deb 07 March 1932 vol 262 cc1471-3
40. Mr. RHYS

asked the First Commissioner of Works who was responsible for the decision as to what flag should be flown on the Eagle Tower at Carnarvon Castle on St. David's Day?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

The decision in regard to flying the Red Dragon and the Union Jack on two towers of Carnarvon Castle, which I upheld last week, was made in February, 1922, on the advice of the then First Commissioner of Works in consultation with the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Carnarvon Boroughs, who was then both Prime Minister and Constable of the Castle. This decision was in accordance with representations by the Town Council of Carnarvon. Before any change can be effected I think it only right that the opinion of the Town Council of Carnarvon and of the Constable of the Castle should be obtained. I have accordingly written a letter to the Mayor of Carnarvon on the subject and have sent a copy of this letter to the right hon. Member for Carnarvon Boroughs (Mr. Lloyd George).

Mr. RHYS

While the right hon. Gentleman is considering the matter will he bear in mind the very general desire of the inhabitants of the Principality that the Union Flag should still be flown?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I have had many representations to that effect.

Mr. D. GRENFELL

Will the right hon. Gentleman also bear in mind the keen national sense of the people of the Principality, the country whence the heir-apparent gets his title?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

Certainly, and it has always been my wish that in addition to the Union Jack, the Red Dragon, the badge of the Tudor Dynasty, should fly at the same time on St. David's Day. I should like to correct a misapprehension that exists in certain parts of the Principality, that the first English Prince of Wales was born in the Eagle Tower of Carnarvon Castle. I have ascertained that the foundations of this tower of the castle were not then laid.

41. Sir WILLIAM DAVISON

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether his attention has been called to the insult to the national flag perpetrated at Carnarvon Castle on St. David's Day, when the Union Jack was hauled down and torn in pieces; whether any arrests have been made; and what steps have been taken to prevent the recurrence of such an incident?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I am aware that on the date in question the Union Jack was hauled down by supporters of the Welsh Home Rule party from the tower on which it has been flown for several years on St. David's Day, and that it was afterwards torn up by some students from Bangor University College. I am sure that public opinion in Wales, as elsewhere, will condemn such ill-considered actions; but in view of the terms of my reply to the question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Guildford (Mr. Rhys), and of my letter to the Mayor of Carnarvon, I feel satisfied that, in all the circumstances, it is better that my Department should ignore this most regrettable incident.

Sir W. DAVISON

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that no change is made in regard to flying the Union Jack from the Eagle Tower as a result of this violent act? Having regard to the insult to the national flag, will he see that he does not give way to violence?

Mr. MARJORIBANKS

Will the right hon. Gentleman use his influence to get the Welsh people to wear a leek as well as a rose on St. David's Day?