§ 45. Brigadier Raynerasked the Prime Minister what official recognition is given to Empire Day.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)Empire Day is officially observed in this country by the flying of flags on Government buildings and His Majesty's ships in port are dressed overall. It is also usually marked by celebrations organised by non-official bodies in which members of the Royal Family and of the Government take part.
§ Brigadier RaynerIn view of the very inadequate celebration of Empire Day in this country a fortnight ago today; in view of the fact that practically everywhere else in the Commonwealth it was a national holiday, and also in view of the fact that this small, vulnerable island may have to depend on the Empire more in the future than ever before, will the Prime Minister give some thought to a better celebration of Empire Day in future by, for instance, ordering a whole holiday for schools; by endeavouring to arrange for Dominion Prime Ministers to give Empire 1218 Day broadcasts in turn, and even by moving the Adjournment of this House after Questions on that day?
§ The Prime MinisterThe hon. and gallant Gentleman is not correct in his facts. Empire Day is not an official holiday in the United Kingdom. It is a holiday in Canada, under the name of Victoria Day, and it is in South Africa, but not elsewhere in the Commonwealth; although in most Colonies Empire Day is regarded as a public holiday.
§ Brigadier RaynerMay I suggest to the Prime Minister that it should be an official holiday in the Mother country? It is the one day which should be an official holiday.
§ Mr. PooleWould the Prime Minister adopt a scheme which was operated when I was a boy and there was a Conservative Government, whereby we were taken into a field behind the school and allowed to scramble for a few sweets on Empire Day?