§ 32. Mr. JAMES REIDasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the recent pronouncement by the Lord Lyon King of Arms regarding the flying of the lion rampant flag of Scotland, he is in a position to make a further statement on this question?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir Godfrey Collins)The answer is in the negative. The Lyon King of Arms is vested by statute with jurisdiction to determine matters relating 495 to armorial rights in Scotland, and I see no occasion for making any statement on the subject to which my hon. and learned Friend refers.
§ Mr. REIDAs the Scottish Office have already indicated that they have no objection to the flying of this flag, will the right hon. Gentleman consider taking steps, by Order-in-Council or otherwise, to remove the technical objection which at present exists to the flying of the flag?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI understand that Lyon King of Arms is the judge of these matters, from whose court there is an appeal to the Court of the Realm, and it does not lie with the Secretary of State for Scotland under the expressed Statutes under which he works from day to day.
§ Mr. REIDWould it not be possible by Order-in-Council to remove the objection and enable the flag to be flown?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI understand that fresh legislation would be required, but I will make further inquiries.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs the Secretary of State for Scotland not aware that the lion rampant of Scotland at the moment is poverty?
§ Sir MURDOCH McKENZIE WOODHas the right hon. Gentleman seen the communication addressed to certain municipalities in Scotland on this matter?
§ Sir G. COLLINSIf my hon. Friend refers to the Circular issued by Lyon King of Arms, dated the 19th June, I have carefully studied it this morning.
§ Sir M. WOODHas the right hon. Gentleman no guidance to give to the local authorities on the matter?