HC Deb 28 February 1945 vol 408 c1371
47. Major Sir Goronwy Owen

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the Welsh nation is a distinct nation and, in proportion to its numbers, has contributed as much as the three other constituent nations to the greatness and security of the United Kingdom, he will arrange that armorial emblems for Wales shall be included in the Royal Arms of the United Kingdom; that the daffodil shall be sanctioned as the floral emblem for Wales and adopted as the Royal Badge for Wales; and that it shall be included in the universal wreath on Colours and on Field Marshal batons.

Mr. Attlee

I will have the suggestion made by my hon. and gallant Friend considered.

Sir G. Owen

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that it would be a very graceful gesture on the part of the Government on the eve of St. David's Day to grant this privilege to the Welsh nation, which has played its part so nobly during this war and during every war, and has always shown its loyalty to the Crown and to the Government of this country?

Mr. Attlee

I think that that reinforces the case for a careful consideration.

Mr. Austin Hopkinson

Is it not a fact that the Welsh Dragon, taking the place of the Irish Harp, would be much more satisfactory from the heraldic point of view.

Mr. Attlee

I think it is a question of rather what the Welsh want, than any particular attention to the canons of heraldry.

Mr. Mainwaring

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the leek is still being grown in Wales?