HC Deb 11 June 1964 vol 696 cc616-8
20. Mr. Fletcher-Cooke

asked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development which flags are to fly from the five flagpoles outside the new Board of Trade building.

Mr. du Cann

On official flag flying days the Union Jack will fly from the centre flagpoles and the Board of Trade house flag from the two outside ones, apart from St. George's Day when the St. George's Cross will be flown from one of the poles.

Mr. Fletcher-Cooke

Is my hon. Friend aware that, since I tabled this Question, five rather unconvincing Union Jacks have been run up on these poles? What was the original purpose behind these five poles? Why five? Why not six or seven? What was the original idea?

Mr. du Cann

First, I find nothing unconvincing at any time about the Union Jack. I am sure that my hon. and learned Friend does not either. Secondly, the flagpoles and, indeed, the whole design of the building were not arranged by the Government. The design was arranged by a very well known company. When the Board of Trade arrived in its new home, we found the five flagpoles there, and I was pleased to see them.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Since the Chairman of I.C.I. has said that we can shortly look forward to Russia being one of its most important customers, would it not be appropriate to have the hammer and sickle there?

Mr. M. Stewart

The Minister of State said that he found nothing unconvincing about the Union Jack. Will he explain that to those of his hon. Friends who always attack the nationalised industries?

Mr. Speaker

Not even with all possible ingenuity.

Mr. Rankin

The hon. Gentleman said that there were five flagpoles, but he is using only three flags. Could he find a spot for St. Andrew's Cross, the most important of all?

Mr. du Cann

I am glad to have an opportunity to say a word about this. The usual practice is for the flag of St. George to be flown in England on all Government buildings on St. George's Day, on St. David's Day for the particular national flag of Wales to be flown in Wales, and on St. Andrew's Day for the particular national flag of Scotland to be flown in Scotland. It may have escaped the hon. Gentleman's attention—I know how occupied he is with Scottish affairs—that London is in England and the Board of Trade head office is in London.