§ 9. Mr. MALLALIEUasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the National Union of Conservative and Unionist Associations have designed a private flag which incorporates the design of the Union Flag (commonly called the Union Jack), and that it is proposed to fly this flag from the White Star line "Doric"; whether any permission has been granted by or on behalf of His Majesty for this incorporation or adaptation of a national flag in or to a private design; whether any application has been made or granted for a Royal or Admiralty Warrant to wear this flag afloat; if so, by whom and in respect of what ship; and, if no such permission or warrant has been granted, what action will he take to punish such breach of the law and to prevent the wearing of this flag afloat?
The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Sir Bolton Eyres Monsell)No application has been made for a warrant to authorise the use of this flag. I am informed that, if it is flown, it will be flown not as the ship's colours, or in a position proper to a ship's colours, but only as a house flag of a shipping company is flown and in a position proper for a house flag. Since its design bears no resemblance to any national colours or to any flag worn by His Majesty's ships, I do not consider it necessary either to authorise it or to interfere with its use as a house flag in a proper position.
§ Mr. MALLALIEUCan the right hon. Gentleman say if there has been any previous occasion upon which any person or body of persons has thought fit to fly the National flag afloat in any form other than Lady Houston?
Sir B. EYRES MONSELLI could not answer that question off-hand, but, if the hon. Member will disclose the device of his party, I would consider it with dispassionate interest.
§ Sir ASSHETON POWNALLAre any steps being taken to safeguard this vessel on the cruise in question in view of possible other attacks by opponents of the National Government?
§ Mr. PIKEWill the right hon. Gentleman give instructions that the flag shall be flown on a 500-foot mast in order to enable the hon. Member for Colne Valley (Mr. Mallalieu) to climb it?