HC Deb 19 June 1951 vol 489 c215
12. Mr. Llewellyn

asked the Lord Privy Seal why it has been decided not to fly the Welsh flag at the South Bank Exhibition; whether he is aware of the indignation caused by this decision; whether he has consulted the Welsh Festival Committee; and what action he proposes to take.

Mr. Stokes

Only the Union Jack and the Festival flag are flying on the flagstaffs at the South Bank Exhibition. There is, however, a display of flags outside the Lion and Unicorn Pavillion; this consists of the Union Jack and its flag components. I understand that as a gesture to the Welsh Choir, which was giving a performance in the Royal Festival Hall on 19th May, the Welsh flag was added to this display. Although I am advised that it is heraldically inappropriate, this step was so much appreciated that it has now been decided to include the Welsh flag permanently.

Sir Waldron Smithers

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered flying the Red flag in order to help the fellow travellers on the other side of the House to find their way to Morrison's Folly?

Mr. Stokes

I had not thought of that, but now that the hon. Gentleman has suggested it I will put it to the Festival authorities.

Brigadier Rayner

Would the right hon. Gentleman see that amid all the illuminations on the South Bank the Union Jack is in future illuminated and spotlighted at night?

Mr. Stokes

I thought that it was, but I will have another look at it.