§ 66. Lady Apsleyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the War Savings posters surrounding the plinth of Lord Nelson's column in Trafalgar Square, which portray large Union Jacks defaced by the addition of a gold and silver star in the top right-hand corner; what is 527 represented by this heraldic device; and who has authorised this change in the flag of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland?
§ Sir J. AndersonI have seen the posters to which my Noble Friend refers; the device has no heraldic significance, and the question of authority does not arise. The National Savings Committee have decided that in any posters produced in the future the star shall be separated from the flag.
§ Lady ApsleyIs my right hon. Friend aware of the great concern of those interested in heraldry at this unauthorised change in our national flag? Can he give the House his assurance that this new device does not portend any unauthorised change in our national financial policy?
§ Sir J. AndersonI should be very sorry, as, I am sure, would the Savings Committee, if pain had been caused to anyone. I said in my answer that what was produced and displayed has no heraldic significance whatever.
§ Mr. Austin HopkinsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is no such thing as heraldic authority and that the whole thing is a complete ramp?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir Assheton PownallHas the introduction of these stars any Lend-Lease significance?
§ Sir J. AndersonNo, Sir.
§ Mr. GallacherWould the Minister see that these stars are transferred to North Africa, where they are in great demand?